Longest Day of Play a Success with Local Children
Gwen Akers
The Ashland Beacon
June 21 marked the longest day of summer, and what better way to celebrate than to name it the longest day of play?
Filled with sunshine, yard games, and snow cones–the Longest Day of Play is an annual event hosted at Central Park, in Ashland, Ky from 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Pioneered by the Family Resource and Youth Service Center, or FRYSC, this event brings together community members and businesses alike to create a fun day for the children of the area.
“Our FRYSC here in Boyd County, which is the school systems Boyd, Ashland and Fairview–we coordinate most of our big events together. Ashland did this last year, and then this year, we all decided to pitch in and all do it together. We have been contacting agencies in the community trying to get them to participate. We have a lot of giveaways. This is really just to promote family, children and families spending time together, playing games, being outside, physical activity—all of the good things. Also, it showcases the agencies that we have in our community,” explained Tracy Caldwell, a representative of the FRYSC.
Various tables and stations were positioned throughout the park where children could get prizes, play games, and collect stamps for their passports. Children picked up their passports and started their journey behind the bandstand, then were set to explore the park to find other surprises. Each booth was characterized by fun games like tic tac toe, corn hole, giant Jenga, or even colored hair spray, as well as information for the parents. Some businesses represented were the Highlands Museum and Discovery Center, the YMCA, Pathways and more.
Food trucks such as Hillbilly Hibachi and Whit’s were also present offering snacks and chilly treats to the public.
For some businesses, like Pathways, this event was a great place to also let the community know about some of the opportunities and support systems that are available to them while also making a fun day for the children.
“We work with all schools in all 10 counties. “[We have a] really close relationship with the FRYSC, which is the family resource and youth service center. They invited us to come out here and share our information with the families today,” explained Kylee Hall, the Pathways Prevention Specialist for the Kentucky Mom’s Program, who noted that this was a very important event for the community. “You get all the resources some people don't even know that's even available. Kids get to come and play games and they get to come eat, and it’s just a way for families to connect and share that experience.”
Characters sponsored by the FRYSC were also present, and children were able to get their picture taken with some of their favorite characters, including Mario and Luigi, and Princess Ariel.
Overall, the event was a great way to get people out in the community and out in the summer sunshine.
“They love being outside and having a good time. Not all kids get that anymore. You know, there's a lot inside playing video games. This just promotes being outside in our beautiful city park,” expressed Caldwell.
If you missed the Longest Day of Play this year, don’t fret, as the event will occur once more next year. Plus, any day is the perfect day to get outside and enjoy the weather with your kids.
