On Saturday, May 12, from 9 a.m.-noon, The Wellness Center at Gress Chiropractic and Riverside Athletic Club are co-sponsoring Kids Day, an event where families can have fun together while learning about healthy lifestyle decisions and exploring resources available in the Merrill Community.
In past years, Kids Day has been held at The Wellness Center at Gress Chiropractic and proceeds have gone to support a local community charity. When Dr. Kathy Gress approached Paul Kientz, owner of Riverside Athletic Club, last year to help out with a prize donation for the event, not only did he donate, but Paul was gracious enough to offer his facility for this year’s event.
“It is going to be so awesome to have Kids Day at Riverside this year. Paul has so much space, we are able to add more activities for the kids. And his staff are so willing to help out!” states Dr. Gress.
There will be fun activities for the kids to do including dodge ball, tug-o-war, bounce houses, rope climbing, gymnastics, Mini Muscles program, and much more.
Grandpa’s Farm will be bringing a petting zoo, and healthy snacks will be available. The Merrill Fire Department will be there with a fire truck and The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office will be there with one of the department’s K-9 officers. The Merrill Police Department will be attending as well. Families will be able to visit several vendors and exhibitors to learn healthy choices for raising kids.
Riverside will offer their Mini Muscles program for the kids to participate that day.
“We are excited to offer the kids in our community a chance to participate in our Mini Muscles Gymnastics program taught by Jenny Thorson and Dean Hill,” Kienitz said. “Coach Thorson and Coach Dean have a passion for teaching children the art of gymnastics through various avenues that they incorporate in their class. We are thankful to be partnering with Gress in Kids Day this year.”
Dr. Gress and her team of doctors will be there offering free computerized spinal and health screenings for the kids and parents. They will also distribute vital information on disease prevention and specific health issues that affect children.
Local businesses have donated prizes that will be drawn throughout the day.
“We are fortunate to be in a community that cares,” Dr. Gress adds. “So many of our local businesses have given prize and monetary donations, which proceeds from Kids Day will go to the Rotary Club to finish the River Bend Trail’s Agra Pavilion. Paul and I are offering this event for free to our community. We will be accepting donations at the event as well. And we will of course accept any donations beforehand. Please join us on May 12, nine to Noon for this fun, family event!”