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Among the children who came out Saturday to enjoy the Nickelodian Day of Play at Highland Park on Saturday are, from left: Jaden Rue, Austin Rue, Wikeshia Hurde, Roosevelt Miller and Yavahnei Holloway. Photo: Jessica Lauren Morris / Correspondent
At the event, sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club of East Mississippi, families and kids enjoyed free food, and a playground featuring a splash pad, bounce houses, slides and an inflatable laser tag house, along with games, prizes and other fun activities. Older kids participated in a basketball shootout. Hula hoops, bubbles, jump ropes and hacky sacks were available for younger children.
The Meridian Fire Department brought a fire engine, offering demonstrations and rides, and Zumba Fitness and Happy Smiles Dentistry offered free health information.
“Day of Play is all about letting kids have a day to come outside and enjoy the outdoors now that summer is ending and school is back,” said Hallie Crews Saulters, a member of Deb’s Social Service Club, who volunteered to paint children’s faces. “We have been involved with the Boys and Girls Club for a while, and we really enjoy helping them serve this community.”
One father said it's important for kids to be kids and events like this help those in the community stay out of trouble.
"It actually gives the kids something to do," says Rayon Maye, father. "If not on a daily basis, then every now and then. They get a lot of playing and built up frustration out of their system by coming out here and enjoying themselves, instead of taking it to the streets."
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Trevor Williams attempts a basket Saturday during Worldwide Day of Play at Highland Park. The event was sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club and the city of Meridian. Photo: Jessica Lauren Morris / Correspondent
All activities were temporarily closed at noon, and children were pointed to pavilions for a free meal. Burgers, chips, and juice boxes were provided to every child and parent, allowing families a chance to eat a meal together. Raffles were held for a new bike.
After lunch, a DJ played music and children danced to the Cupid Shuffle.
The Highland Park splash pad was also open for children to take a break from the heat.
Worldwide Day of Play was created by Nickelodeon in conjunction with its “Let’s Just Play” campaign. The annual event is designed to encourage children and adults to turn off the television and play, especially outdoors.
Nickelodeon is showing their dedication to all things active and playful with the networks annual Worldwide Day of Play tour! This year Nick has made stops in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Kansas City, and San Juan (Puerto Rico), and will finish up at Prospect Park in Brooklyn on September 16th. The national events will eventually culminate in the Worldwide Day of Play on Sept. 30, when Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Nicktoons and TeenNick will go dark to encourage kids to go outside and play.
Want to come out and celebrate with Nick? Organizers and families can register events at www.day-of-play.com to join the fun! Every stop is chock full of all-star guests, amazing activities, and play for days! Follow along at nick.com/play as Nick gets up, gets out, and celebrates the power of play!
Follow Nickelodeon's Worldwide Day of Play along at nick.com/play as Nick gets up, gets out, and celebrates the power of play!
More Nick: Nickelodeon To Help Make The World A More Playful Place With Summer-Long Celebration Of Play!
Original sources: ABC11 Newscenter, meridianstar.com; Additional source: Explore Gwinnett Events; Additional source: City of Meridian.
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