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Kiwanis, City Put On Egg-cellent Event
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Two-year-old Isabella Cross was styling in her shades as she enjoyed a hot dog at the fourth annual Kids Spring Fest and Safety Day at Kerr Park on Saturday, April 3 where the community enjoyed free entertainment and lunch as well as an egg hunt for the children up to age 12. Events were co-sponsored by the Oakdale Kiwanis Club and the City of Oakdale. - photo by Kim Van Meter/The Leader

Not even the brisk temperature could keep people away as attendance soared at the fourth annual Kids Spring Fest and Safety Day, Saturday, April 4 at Kerr Park.

Sponsored jointly by the Kiwanis Club and the City of Oakdale, the event featured fun activities for the kids, including an egg hunt where 6,000 eggs were hidden on the field, plenty of informational booths, and a free lunch of hot dogs, chips and a drink.

“Seeing people come together like this where it doesn’t cost a penny is just great,” Karen O’Bannon, Family Support Network Director said of the day’s festivities. “Events like this foster community spirit and offers everyone a chance to come and have fun together.”

This was Family Support Network’s first appearance at the annual event but they were happy to supply the face painting and bubble stations, both of which were very popular with the kids.

“We’re not having the Family Fun Day in June so we wanted to be here. We’re also having an entry in the rodeo parade and we made an appearance at the kindergarten registrations,” O’Bannon said.

O’Bannon was pleased at how quickly their information packs — more than 200 — were passed out to attendees.

“We have as much fun as the kids who come do,” she shared.

The event was filled with laughter and good times as a young DJ, Robby Wikoff, kept the tunes family friendly, which included a few songs by Alvin and the Chipmunks.

“The turnout is awesome,” Brea DeRespini, Community Volunteer Coordinator, said. “There are so many great things about this event. I love seeing how excited the kids are. It’s great to be a part of that.”

The fire department brought an engine and the smoke house, which is always a popular attraction as it teaches children how to safely navigate a smoke-filled environment.

The police department brought a squad car, which the kids enjoyed, and the Citizens Auxiliary Police Services (CAPS) manned a fingerprinting booth, where more than 70 children took advantage of the service.

“We’re having an absolute blast,” said Kate Cross, a woman who only recently relocated to Oakdale from Southern California and heard about the event through a friend. “The kids are having a great time. I found a lot of useful information and it was just what we needed.”