Parks and Rec Day draws 850

The fifth annual Parks and Rec Day went off with a bang Thursday at the Osage Community Centre.

About 850 children went to Parks and Rec Day, which featured many activities, crafts and games. Many kicked off their shoes for the "Space Walk," a large inflatable structure for children to jump in. Other popular activities were a climbing slide, water guns and basketball. Many activity stations were sponsored by area businesses, and some provided free prizes and refreshments. The free event was co-sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department and the Southeast Missourian Jr.

One site that attracted several of the older children was a karaoke machine, where children could sing along with some of their favorite pop music.

"I'm scared, but I might do it," said 13-year-old Brittany Graham as she flipped through a selection of CDs. She eventually chose to sing "What About Us" by Brandy.

Zack Martin, who manned the karaoke machine for the Parks and Rec Department, said the crowd at his station was bigger than he had expected.

"They gave me this, and I thought that it would be easy because a lot of kids are shy and might not want to do it," he said. "But we've had a lot."

Some parents brought their children, while others came in groups with local child-care facilities. Just Kids Day Care brought a group of youngsters, among them 11-year-old Kyla McDowell of Jackson.

"It's a lot of fun," McDowell said about the Parks and Rec Day activities, as she waited in line at the Big Brothers Big Sisters ball toss. However, she said her favorite thing at Parks and Rec Day was watching some of the boys play basketball.

Kim Kolda and Stephanie Martin both brought their 6-year-olds out to the Osage Centre for some fun.

"This is our third year coming to this, and they just love it every year," Kolda said.

wmcferron@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127