Celebrate Children Sunday.

The rain clouds vanished at the perfect for several hundred local families who gathered near the Ritter Park playground to enjoy “Celebrate Children Sunday.” Sponsored by the United Way of the River Cities’ Success by Six program and the Greater Huntington Park Board

The event was established to promote the mental, physical, social and emotional development and well being of local children. Participants included The Marshall University Speech and Hearing Center, the Cabell-Huntington Health Department, Cabell County Schools, Prevent Blindness of America and The M.U. College of Nursing and Families had a great choice of exhibitors. The Marshall Kindermusik program offered egg-shakers to children, the YMCA set-up gymnastic mats for kids and a few sneaky adults to tumble around on.

Children were given goodie bags and treasure maps. If they visited 12 different information booths they were entered in a drawing for one of several great prizes, such a bicycles, big wheels, etc.
Families were also treated to a “moon walk,” face painting, several beanbag games and live entertainment from the Meadows Elementary School Theater Club, the Musical Arts Guild Children’s Chorus and First Stage Theatre Company.

There were also clowns and celebrities including, Dorothy Gayle of Kansas, Snow White and Prince Charming.

Perhaps the most welcome appearance was from the Sun, which had taken a five-day leave of absence.