The Hero Project continues to gain popularity and community support. On March 17 the second Hero Project Hullabaloo was celebrated in the MAC room at Terrace Middle School. Over 300 people attended the free carnival style event which served approximately 100 children under the age of 8. The event focused on the themes of Unplug, Play and Advocate.
Activities, performances and prize giveaways provided guests with over three hours of entertainment. Free carnival snacks such as tightrope sting cheese, popcorn and veggie nibs were provided. Juggler Ian Smith, musician Cierrah Sherman, and puppeteer Lisa Bady kept kids and adults entertained on the main stage.
Over 40 prizes were given away which included gift baskets, play equipment, pizza coupons, gift certificates to local businesses, subscriptions to National Geographic Kids, and even a guitar signed by every member of the locally grown band, Cheating Daylight.
The Hero Project provided several activities. Get Creative was an arts and crafts station meant to remind parents that play-materials can be inexpensive and simple. The Bouncing Bubbles area was equipped with over 25 different bubble wands. The Free Play station offered books, ping pong, hula hoops, and soft frisbees to stimulate exercise and hand-eye coordination. Families unplugged and participated in a Hero Project coloring contest. The DIY Superhero Photo Booth featured masks, costumes and capes. Parents were continually encouraged to advocate, set goals for their family, and parent on purpose.
Additional activities and resources were provided by local organizations. The Boy Scouts of America kept families entertained with a Toilet Bowl Toss. Easter Seals provided free face-painting and a Bean Bag Toss. Health Services reminded families that Superheroes Make Healthy Choices. Healthy Start had a colorful Toothbrush Guessing Game while Lakeport Library offered a bookmark making station to encourage families to Read for Fun. Children and adults tested their throwing skills at Lake Family Resource Center’s Can Knock Down. The All-Seeing Andre gave families a glimpse into their future courtesy of Mother-Wise. Tribal Health’s Smoothie Bike kept kids active and entertained and provided a healthy snack. WIC offered resources and information for parents while children tried their luck at a Fruit and Veggie Bean Bag Toss. Each organization donated prizes which were given away throughout the evening.
As families participated in each activity they earned a sticker on their Hero Project Carnival Card. On completion, each child under age 8 earned a free United Way backpack with books, a school readiness binder, and additional goodies.
Any family can join the Hero Project for FREE. The information and activities provided are ideal for parents with children under age 8. A Summer Kick-Off Hullabaloo will be celebrated on May 30 at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park. Details and registration will be available soon. Learn more, register and get involved at www.lakecountyheroproject.com. Call Hero Project Headquarters at 707-262-4133 for more information.
This Hullabaloo was made possible by the following organizations: Lakeport Unified School District, First 5 Lake County, Health Leadership Network, Lake County Office of Education, Redbud Health Care District, St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake and Sutter Lakeside Hospital.
