OPTIMISTS HOLD 'KIDS DAY IN TH EPARK'

"Kids' Day in the Park," a special day for children in the Jackson/Cape Girardeau area, will be held Saturday in the Jackson City Park.

The annual event, organized by the Noon Optimist Club of Jackson, will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, between Shelter # 4 and Shelter # 5, next to the club's celebrated "Safety City."

The first Saturday in June is annually designated "Optimists in Action Day" by Optimist International. This is a days set aside that Optimist Clubs worldwide can play activities to demonstrate to people in their area the purpose of the organization -- service to youth.

There will before than 20 activities or display booths for children to enjoy. One of the main features will be the Cape County Firefighters' "Smoke House." Other activities will include a duck pond game, "Ye Old Fishin' Hole," ping-pong tournaments, ring toss, two space walk activities and many others. There will be safety booths where parents and children will receive valuable safety information. Face-painting will be done by students from the Jackson R-2 Art Department and members of the Jr. Optimist Club of Jackson. The Shriners Clowns will be on hand to entertain and will be making balloon animals.

A food stand will be located at Shelter # 5. Hot dogs, soda and chips will be provided free of charge to children under 15. There will be a minimal charge to all others.

Relay games will begin at 11:30 a.m. and continue until about 1 p.m. There will be races for children of all ages. Ribbons will be awarded for all races and prizes will be given at all other games. Children will receive a prize every time they play.

Games are free and there is no admission charge to the activities.

"Entire families can come out, eat lunch and enjoy a day of 'fun in the sun,'" said Sue Jones, a member of the Jackson Noon Optimist Club and co-chairman of the event. "All parents and grandparents are encouraged to bring their children."