Kids will be back in school next week, but summer fun is far from over.
Plant City’s Noon Rotary Club has put together the first Community Appreciation Fun Day. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, at the Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex.
The free event will include hot dogs, cotton candy and sno-cones for kids while supplies last. Attendees also will be able to enjoy bungee jumping activities, a rock climbing wall, bounce houses and a deejay.
“It’s just another way that Rotary can give back,” Jim Scott, the club’s public relations coordinator, said. “It’s just another way for us to roll up our sleeves and do something for the community, for the kids.”
The Noon Rotary Club has received support for the event from both the City of Plant City and local law enforcement. The City of Plant City donated the event complex, which is regularly booked solid with events during the school year.
“The City of Plant City has been gracious in allowing us to use the Randy Larson Softball Four-Plex,” Scott said. “It’s been a great partnership … we couldn’t do it without the City.”
Local law enforcement agencies, including the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Plant City Police Department and Plant City Fire Rescue also have pitched in with added bells and whistles.
It’s just another way that Rotary can give back. –Jim Scott, Noon Rotary's Public Relations Coordinator
During the event, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office will fly in and land a helicopter. A K9 Officer from the Plant City Police Department will be present, and that agency also will provide fingerprinting for families. In addition, PCPD will have a pedal car out to simulate what driving under the influence looks like. Plant City Fire Rescue will bring out one of its trucks with a fire hose, and will demonstrate the proper use of hydraulic rescue tools, more commonly known as “Jaws of Life.”
Besides the traditional family day activities, the presence and demonstrations by law enforcement officers are a way
to teach kids about the jobs and responsibilities of first responders.
“All the agencies have been very gracious,” Scott said. “They all agreed that they would do presentations for children. We think that connection is very important at a young age.”
Five hundred book bags with school supplies including pencil sharpeners, pencils and crayons will be given out while supplies last. The club is hoping for a total of 500 children to attend the event with their families.
In the future, the club hopes to make Community Appreciation Fun Day an annual event.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.