First family fun day attracts more than 100 reservoir years ago
Leadership Marion County Class of 2004 completed the first "class project" new to the Leadership Marion County program curriculum. The project, "GO (Great Outdoors) Marion County Family Fun Day" was held Sunday at Marion Reservoir.
"I am really proud of this class and all the work they did to make this day so wonderful for all of those who attended," commented Joanna Brazil, president of Leadership Marion County board of directors. "They set the bar pretty high for future Leadership Marion County class projects."
The group estimated between 100 and 150 people attended the event, participating in all kinds of activities from canoeing, Frisbee golf, and fishing to watching and learning rocketry, three-legged races, fire building, and tent pitching.
Flint Hills Retrievers entertained the group with an exciting show with three eager Labradors. Marion County Sheriff's officers showed their dogs in action. Youth had the opportunity to learn about and explore trucks and equipment used by Marion County firefighters, emergency services, and Kansas Highway Patrol.
Marion County Health Department was on hand to distribute bicycle helmets and hosted a tricycle obstacle course.
Everyone enjoyed a free dinner of hot dogs, chips, sodas and s'mores courtesy of Carlsons' Grocery, Wilbur's Market, Sonic of Hillsboro, Ampride of Marion and Hillsboro, Peabody State Bank, Central National Bank, Vogt's Hometown Market, Dale's Supermarket, and Atmos Energy.
The project was made possible from a grant by the Kansas Health Foundation, a foundation working to make Kansas the best place to raise children.
Class members planned the event, including publicity, signage, and finding sponsorships and groups to lead the activities.
Members of the 2004 Leadership Class are Elise Brunhoeber, Burns; Tina Groening and Jo Ottensmeier, Marion; Ken Parry and Chris Bielefeld, Peabody; and Darryl Thiessen, Goessel.
Leadership Marion County is a program of the Marion County Economic Development Council.
