STAFF REPORT
For Glasgow News 1
The Barren County Family YMCA staff is preparing for one of its largest annual events this Saturday: Healthy Kids Day.
Held nationally at YMCAs throughout the country, the event aims to introduce children and families to resources that encourage active lifestyles and community engagement. This will mark the 34th year the Barren County Y has hosted the event, dating back to 1992, the same year the facility opened its doors.
Resources available to attendees will run the gamut of community health entities, including the county’s health department, parks and recreation and even a SNAP representative to help educate families in need of food assistance.
The event will also mark the second year the facility has partnered with a local biker group to help raise awareness for the day’s activities.
“So, last year we partnered with a local bike club, the Lighted Guardians,” event coordinator Jasmine Beaty said. “They originally partnered with us to help raise funds for our childcare wing addition.”
Alongside Healthy Kids Day, the Y’s parking lot will also host a community block party. Beaty explained the outdoor activities will include a bike show, food vendors and a 50-50 raffle. According to CEO Tara Bailey, proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Y’s childcare programs.
“We’re also going to be giving away ‘swag bags’ to the kids put together from community donations,” Beaty said. “I’m kind of jealous that I’m too old to get a bag.”
The block party is also giving the YMCA a chance to show off its updated landscaping.
“Our local Lowe’s chose us as their Community Cares project,” Bailey explained. “So every year they give back to the community by providing things like landscaping to help nonprofits that don’t have a budget for beautification projects.”
Bailey said the program allowed the Y to redesign its front and side entrances with new shrubbery and roughly 350 bags of red limestone rock. The project also included volunteer labor, with three individuals spending the day helping complete the facelift.
“Our curb appeal now has curb appeal,” Bailey said.
Those planning to attend the free event, or simply curious to see the Y’s new look, are encouraged to stop by the facility between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, May 9.
Key facts:
– Barren County Family YMCA hosting Healthy Kids Day this Saturday in Glasgow
– Free event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the YMCA
– Focus on children’s health, community engagement and local resources
– Community health partners, food vendors and a bike show featured
– Parking lot block party includes 50-50 raffle to support YMCA childcare
– Kids can receive swag bags filled with community-donated items
– YMCA showcasing new landscaping completed with help from Lowe’s Community Cares project
– Public invited to see updated entrances and participate in activities
Gage Wilson for Glasgow News 1 contributed to this story.
