Messy morning is good, clean fun for kids

Sometimes it's fun to make a mess. And once a year, area children are treated to a sanctioned mess-making party without fear of getting in trouble with their parents.

The United Way's 11th Messy Morning is coming up Saturday. It will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

Messy Morning offers different activities every year. The theme of this year's Messy Morning is science, and children up to age 8 will be able to make their own gooey concoctions, play in the dirt, make hand- and footprint art, among other things.

For those less inclined to make a mess, there will be other exhibits focusing on music, art and animals.

Messy Morning is part of the United Way's Success by Six initiative, the goal of which is to prepare children physically, emotionally and developmentally for kindergarten. But in addition to the United Way, several groups and vendors come together for the event. The Cape Girardeau Public Library will be on hand near the toddler area, and the Girls Scouts, Cricket Wireless and Head Start will be among new vendors this year.

Organizers recommend everyone attending (children and adults) bring slip-on shoes and a change of clothes. The United Way expects more than 3,000 people to attend.

Come join the good-natured, messy fun this weekend at the Show Me Center.