Getting back to normal

Fairfield’s annual Kiwanis Kids' Day celebration made its return Saturday after canceling last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

After missing out last year, people were excited to take part in the celebration again.

One family was the McKee family.

Lindey McKee said that it's great to be back at the event, especially after being in lockdown for what seemed like an eternity.

"It's a great opportunity for the kids to experience the activities and everything Kiwanis has to offer," McKee said. "It's also a great way for them to get and see their friends, the public and the outdoors. The pancakes and the breakfast is a great offering to the community. After the pandemic, it's sad that we didn't get to experience that last year."

For McKee, it's important that her youngest daughter get the opportunity to socialize with others.

"Our little one is 1 year old, and she hasn't been out doing very much," McKee said. "So it's really nice to be able to get out and give her and the rest of the kids experiences like this, especially after being cooped up for so long. Things like this … it's really needed. We appreciate it a lot."

McKee isn't the only one whose children enjoyed the festivities.

Julie Ledger said this year's festival has been a great experience, and it's essential to feel a sense of normal after last year.

"I think it's important to have events like this," Ledger said. "It gives the kids things to do, and it's nice to have a free event, especially when you've got kids that bounce around from activity to activity. You don't know what they want to do, but they get to try a bunch of different things. It's good for the little ones, and it's good for the big ones. My daughter was in the parade. This is the first year she's been in the parade."

"Just getting back to normal life is refreshing. Hopefully, we get to stay."

The celebration started with a pancake breakfast, which began at 6 a.m. and lasted until 1 p.m.

The Kids' Day parade started at 10 a.m. with the theme of "Sharing Kindness."

The parade featured several organizations and groups around Fairfield. There were police cars, fire trucks, dancers and the Fairfield High School and Middle School marching band.

Following the parade, the kids began to settle into the multitude of activities around the park. There were three bouncy houses, a clown that created balloon animals, and a tractor pull featured later in the afternoon.

Kiwanis Club member Daryn Hamilton said it's great that people are excited to be back.

"We've had a lot of excitement from people about Kids' Day coming back," Hamilton said. It's going to be a great day, and the weather cooperated with us. We're just happy to be here.“

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