Fairfield Kiwanis host annual Kids’ Day

FAIRFIELD - They came in rubber boots and brought umbrellas because rain is no match for kids who want candy and pancakes. Thousands flocked to downtown Fairfield on Saturday, Sept. 21, for the annual Kiwanis Kids' Day.

The fun has been going on for at least 50 years, said Fairfield Kiwanis secretary Noreen Septer. Because the mission of Kiwanis is to help kids, they have decided to devote a whole day to their efforts.

Dr. Howard Hunt, former president and current member of the Fairfield Kiwanis said the Kids' Day is one he looks forward to every year. He has been a member of Kiwanis for 45 years.

Septer said the day all starts off with their annual pancake breakfast. The big tent set up on Court Street had a line that extended down the block. Septer estimated they serve about 2,000 people every year. They even added benches to offer those waiting in line a place to sit.

After the pancakes comes the annual kids day parade. A gloomy forecast and steady showers arrived just in time for this years parade, but were no match for the fun to be had.

Floats carefully made their way down the streets as volunteers tossed candy, footballs and other party favors to those waiting. The day continued with bouncy houses, a dunk tank, pony rides and other a variety of other free activities designed to get kids moving.

Dr. Hunt said the money raised from the day goes back to the community. Most commonly, they use the money to purchase new playground equipment and offer scholarships to students.

Helping kids and making sure they have fun is the goal of the day, Septer agreed. She said by having an entire day dedicated to free activities for them, they get to see first hand there are adults in the community who support them.

'They need to grow up with stuff like this to do. Kids are important. Whether kids or adults, there has to be somebody to step up,” she said.