Kiwanis Kids’ Day returns to Fairfield Saturday

After canceling last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fairfield Kiwanis Kids’ Day makes it return Saturday.

The event, which features a pancake breakfast, is one of the major annual fundraisers for the Kiwanis Club.

“This is a tremendous thing,” Daryn Hamilton of the Kiwanis Club said. “A year ago we didn’t have any income coming into the club, because the two major projects — Kids Day and checking in campers at the Old Threshers campground — didn’t happen because of the pandemic.

“We were able to draw on the reserves we had in order to fulfill the things that we always do.”

The club funds several scholarships for high school students, as well as helping to fund new playground equipment throughout the community.

“We also donate to other smaller groups throughout the community,” Hamilton said. “We’ve always enjoyed doing that as a way to give back to the community.”

Pancakes, sausage and a drink will be served from 6 a.m.-1 p.m. A book of 10 tickets can be purchased for $60. Individual tickets will be available at the tent for $7 per adult and $3.50 for children under 10.

Hamilton said that extra precautions are being taken this year due to COVID.

“We’ll have hand-washing stations at a couple different locations,” he said. “We will have hand sanitizer available inside the tent. We will have an expanded to-go section so people who don’t want to go into the tent to eat can get pancakes and take them with them.

“We’re trying to prepare to accommodate people who would love to go out to the event but don’t want to get themselves into a crowded type situation.”

The Kids’ Day parade will start at 10 a.m., with the theme of “Sharing Kindness.”

There will be numerous other activities throughout the day.

“We have activities happening on the Square that include a clown, a climbing wall, a bouncy house, face painting and pony rides,” Hamilton said. “We’re looking forward to bringing those all back.”

Hamilton said that attendance has varied over the years.

“We’ve had years where we’ve only had about 1,300 people come through the tent, and we’ve had years where we’ve had a little over 2,000 people come to the tent for pancakes,” he said. “I anticipate we’re going to have a large crowd this year based on various other events I’ve been involved with.

“People just want to get out and do something they weren’t able to last year, and they really, really want to have that fun.”

The weather is expected to cooperate. The forecast calls for sun with temperatures in the mid-80s.

“We are really going to love to see everyone back,” Hamilton said. “We know there are parents, grandparents and children who come back to Fairfield all together to enjoy Kids’ Day.”