Seventh Annual Fun In The Park A Success

Great weather, free food, park improvements, ping pong drop and a variety of prizes equaled success for the 7th Annual “Family Fun In The Park, held Friday afternoon, June 29, at O-MAK-O HAK Park.
The event kicked off at 4:00 PM with Miss Northeast Missouri Abby Scott singing the “Star Spangled Banner.”  More than 240 Clark County residents registered for the walk.  A straw walk was held, and for every lap around the quarter-mile trail, walkers collected a straw.  Each straw was redeemed for entry into the drawing for prizes.  The drawing was held at 6:00 PM for camp chairs, cookbooks, George Foreman grill, grocery gift certificates, a $50 savings bond and other items.
For the younger set, a duck pond, free train rides and the Bounce Bubble were provided by Boyd and Patty Woods.
The Clark County Heath Department staff was on hand serving waling tacos, bottled water, and watermelon slices. 
The highlight of the day, enjoyed by all age groups, was the fly over, with local pilot Stanley Webster dropping 200 prize winning ping pong balls from the sky.
The annual event is sponsored by the Clark County Health Department, Clark County Wellness Coalition, and the University of Missouri Extension.  Funding for this project was provided in part by the Missouri Foundation for Health.  MFH is a philanthropic organization whose vision it is to improve the health of people in the communities it serves.  Sponsors encourage everyone tot take advantage of the walking trail.
“Cardiovascular disease remains the number one killer of Missourians, according to state statistics.  Healthy diet and exercise are one way to help keep your heart health,” said Evelana Sutterfield, RN, Clark Co. Health Department Administrator.  “However, people should check with their physician before starting any exercise program.