County families invited to free day of fun at Marion Reservoir June 18

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN KATIE LOHRENZ
The Leadership Marion County Class of 2004 will be hosting a Marion County Family Fun Day on Saturday, June 18, at Marion Reservoir.

The afternoon itinerary will include games, demonstrations, events and food provided by area businesses and organizations.

The event will be staged in the Marion Cove overflow area from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Highlights include a bicycle course, canoeing, a scavenger hut, races, nature walks, fishing and rockets.

Jo Ottensmeier, event coordinator, said she expects turnout for this first Family Fun Day to be high because of its family nature.

“They can all enjoy it together, so it’s not just an adult thing or a little kid thing,” Ottensmeier said.

Family Fun Day activities are planned to be both fun and educational for area youth, she said. Several county agencies will be providing safety demonstrations, including a talk on emergency first aid and water safety and a K-9 unit demonstration by the Marion County Sheriff’s Department.

A free meal of hot dogs, chips and soda has been donated by businesses and a marshmallow roast is planned for later in the evening.

Ottensmeier said she and fellow planners hope for clear skies. If it rains, “I presume we’ll just go ahead with it the best we can,” she said.

The coordinators also hope Family Fun Day will become an annual event. Tina Groening, marketing coordinator, said she hopes future Leadership Marion County classes continue the event with a new theme each year.

Businesses and organizations interested in donating or participating in Family Fun Day can contact Ottensmeier at 620-382-2151 for more information.

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