Final Park Party of the Summer!!
It’s so hard to believe that on Thursday, July 29th we’ll be hosting our final Park Party of 2010! It’s been an amazing summer so far and I can’t wait to head out to the Allegan County Fairgrounds for an afternoon of FREE fun! Once again we’ve really spread things out so there’s plenty of room for everything and everyone! The new features we have added to this year’s events including “Last in Line” signs, more activities, more space, more entertainment and more vendors has really made a big difference. If you haven’t had the chance to join us for a Park Party yet this year this is your last chance! Free lunches start at 11:30 for anyone under 18 and Park Party fun goes from noon – 2 p.m. I’m looking forward to meeting you on Thursday!
Stepping it up at Park Parties
For the past five weeks, I’ve gotten up every Thursday morning and laced up my tennis shoes for a long day on my feet. That’s because Thursdays are Park Parties! From 8:30am until 3pm I’m on my feet setting up, making rounds at the party and tearing down. In early July we held our second Park Party of the summer at Lamar Park in Wyoming. As I was speed walking like a wild woman across the parking lot, our park contact stopped me and said, “Next time we do this you need a golf cart to ride in. You sure walk a ton!” I actually never really thought about all the walking I do each Thursday and how it’s probably a pretty good workout. Afterall, each Thursday night I have sore legs and sore feet.
I decided to wear a pedometer two weeks ago to our Holland Park Party to test just how many steps I take on a Thursday afternoon. I strapped on the pedometer when I got to the station that morning and was up for the challenge. The hard part was trying to not peak at it until the party was done. At 2pm, I eagerly looked at my waistband and it said 14,600 steps! Holy cow! That is more than the average person takes in an entire day. I never thought that I was actually getting a workout each Thursday while working.
Taking risks
“Don’t be scared, just jump in!” said the swimming instructor to my 6 year old daughter, who nervously wrung her hands, her lip quivering. Hmmm…these words haven’t quite accomplished the magic that her teacher has hoped for this past week. The last week has been full of early morning lessons, lots of tears (my daughter’s that is), and lots of hugs. It’s been a different kind of week around my house, to say the least.
Some types of personalities don’t tend toward taking risks, or just “jumping into the pool”. You probably know if this is you. You like to play it safe, even down to ordering the same tasty entrée off the menu at your favorite restaurant each time you go. There is some genetic contribution to this –so thank your mom and dad! But, if you are wanting to open yourself up to taking some risks, be encouraged to know that there are some aspects of this that are within your control. Often we create our own barriers to risk taking—letting certain fears or “what if’s” crowd out our desires and goals. We might hold on to our need for security and predictability or hold the belief that change is impossible, when the truth is that change just requires some openness to the unknown and a willingness to stumble along the way.
Park Party Fun in Kalamazoo
Last week we took the Park Party tour to Kalamazoo for an afternoon of fun at Upjohn Park.
E.S.C.A.P.E. Fire Safety
E.S.C.A.P.E. has joined us at Park Parties for several years educating kids on fire safety.
Strike Percussion Ensemble
Each Park Party features children performers with unique talents. We had a cool percussion group made up of students from Caledonia High School join us in Kalamazoo.
Community Resources & Organizations
Each week we have great organizations who join us at our Park Parties. Some of those who came out to Kalamazoo include the Kalamazoo Nature Center, Van Andel Institute and Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services.
Free Child ID Kits
Thanks to our great partners at Western & Southern Life, we’re able to offer free Child ID Kits at all of our Park Parties this summer.
Touchstone Energy Cooperative
Our friends with Touchstone Energy Cooperative have been at all of our Park Parties this summer with their energy bike. They offer opportunities all year long for kids to learn about energy savings and safety.
Maranda’s Park Parties
Join us for another summer of Maranda's Park Parties.
June 24 – Cedar Springs Public School Complex
July 1 – Lamar Park, Wyoming
July 8 – Barry Expo Center, Hastings
July 15 – Kollen Park, Holland
July 22 - Upjohn Park, Kalamazoo
July 29 – Allegan County Fairgrounds
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Blogs
Maranda's Blog
Keep in step with Maranda as she explores issues affecting your family.
Maranda's Go-To Gal
Insights from the mom who helps Maranda get it all done.
Healing Moments
Insights and tips for you and your family.
Whitecaps Blog
Whitecaps mascot Crash takes you inside the ballpark.
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Fifth Third River Bank Run
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Contests
Enter for your chance to win a Park Party Goodie Bag.
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You could win a four-pack giveaway for unlimited rides and passes to the Grandstand event of your choice.
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