Children's Day better than ever, Saturday
GLYNIS CRAWFORD SMITH/THE HIGHLANDER
Members of the Executive Committee of Children’s Day receive an official proclamation from the City of Marble Falls recognizing the event as celebrating “our greatest blessing, which is the children of our community and the very essence of youth and life and future dreams. At the April 5 presentation are Robin Rodriguez, registration coordinator; Cecilia Paul, decoration and bubble machine coordinator; Maria Lim of the Marble Falls McDonald's, food coordinator; Marble Falls Mayor John Packer; Ely Banuet Rodriguez, founder and president, and Fabiola Alamilla, volunteer recruiter/coordinator.
BY GLYNIS CRAWFORD SMITH
THE HIGHLANDER
On Saturday, April 16, the gates open at 10 a.m. to the 16th Annual Children's Day Celebration-the Johnson Park event that has grown every year with more fun and games free to children age kindergarten to eighth grade.
The event will begin at 10 a.m. at the park amphitheater with a brief opening ceremony and balloon release that leads into the events that will go on until closing at 3 p.m. Learning centers, carnival rides, rock climbing and games are just a few of the attractions.
“People always ask about the weather,” said organizer Ely Banuet Rodriguez. “Just bring your poncho. Children's Day goes on with rain or without it. A few morning showers never close us down. It always clears up.
“The only time events would ever be moved to Marble Falls Middle School would be in case of dangerous weather.”
A balloon release by members of the Boys & Girls Club of the Highland Lakes will culminate the open event that will include a flag ceremony by Cub Scout Pack 284, the National Anthem performed by John Arthur Martinez and the reading of the Children's Day Proclamation by Mayor John Packer.
A talent show will begin on the amphitheater stage immediately after the opening. Everything from comedy acts to dancing and musicians, magic, mime acts, gymnastics and lip sync performances will be included. Anyone who wants to join that lineup as a group or individual can register on the event website, www.childrensdaytx.com. An online form can be found at the bottom right of the home page under the “Talent Show” link.
“I organized the first little day for children in 1995 at the old Marble Falls Primary School,” said Rodriguez. “One of my daughters was in kindergarten there and Bill Rives was principal. This year she is 29 and working with the event. Bill Rives will be in charge of the talent show.”
Rodriguez brought up three daughters and an entire town in the Children's Day event that now is managed as a non-profit organization and draws more than 3,000 attendees.
“At first we just had little games like ring toss,” said Rodriguez. “Now we have a carnival and so many things. And, so many sponsors and volunteers. We had 105 volunteers just for the registration table.”
Food is free for the children and available to adults for a small contribution. It will include Creamy Creations ice cream, roasted corn, fresh fruit, pancakes, nachos, snow cones, hamburgers, hot dogs, cotton candy and popcorn.
Games close down at 1:40 p.m. since the focus of the day will have shifted back to the amphitheater at 1:30 p.m. That is when drawing tickets are handed out.
“We have at least 50 prizes for children who are there at the end of the day,” said Rodriguez.
Before the drawing, beginning at 2 p.m., the Ronald McDonald Magic Show takes the amphitheater stage. Last and far from least, at 2:30 p.m. the prize drawings are held.
Johnson Park is located at 230 South Avenue J. Any change due to extreme weather will be noted on the ChildrensDayTx.com website and on the radio.
