Children's fun day a success

Children of all ages gathered in Conner Park Saturday afternoon to celebrate the second annual Early Childhood Intervention Program's Children's Fun Day.
Sam Piller, executive director for the program, said the event, which ran from 1:30 to 4 p.m., had a bit of something for everyone.
Piller said the children's fun day is a free play day for the families in the program, as well as community members.
She said the main intent of the afternoon is to give the kids a day to laugh, play and have fun, while at the same time raising awareness about the program.
Dani Forness, the program's fundraiser and public relations representative, said this year's event had last year's beat before it even got started.
"Today has been amazing and it's just the beginning," Forness said.
Forness thinks this year's fun day did so much better than last year's because of the recent recognition the program has received.
"I think days like this help the program tremendously. Since last year, we have gained more funding, we've gained more local business support and we have won awards.
"I also think that days (like Saturday) have helped introduce us to the public."
To help celebrate the occasion, Forness said the Artful Dogger brought down his hot dog stand, there was a petting zoo, a jolly jump, games and pony rides."
"We really wanted to make sure there was something for everyone.
Jayden Miller, 8, Kyle Munro, 12 and Kenneth Munro, 9 said they were having a blast. However it wasn't the activities that were planned by organizers that had these three boy's attention - it was the ones they created on their own.
"So far, my favourite thing has been climbing the trees. Of course it isn't safe for the younger kids but we are good at it," said Kyle.
He said he and his two best friends might go on the jolly jump - maybe.
The Early Childhood Intervention Program is a non-profit, home- and community-based program that works with children who suffer from a disability, are developmentally delayed or are at risk for delay, said Piller.
Also, it helps families become connected to other agencies and programs that may assist them in their journey.
She said one of the big things with the program is the support system it creates between its employees, clients and children.
"It really is an awesome program."

Lyndsay McCready can be reached at 691-1256.