WILLMAR — On Saturday, it was all about the kids over at the Kandiyohi County Area Family YMCA, as the organization opened its doors to dozens of children and their families during this year's Healthy Kids Day.
The first 100 kids in the door received a free bicycle helmet, courtesy of Kandiyohi-Renville County SHIP. After registering, families could check out 18 vendors on-site, including Willmar Stingers baseball, Main Pointe Dance Studio and Willmar Public Library, to name a few.
According to Kandiyohi County Area Family YMCA senior director Missy Fike, the day was all about connecting the community.
"This shows all of the opportunities kids have in our community to participate in," she said. "It's just a great way to promote healthy activities."
Midway through the morning event, children headed outside to run as many laps as their tiny legs would carry them in the color run. Various stations around the course had people with colored chalk who would spray the children to make for a very colorful and cheerful experience for all involved.
ADVERTISEMENT
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
More Photo Galleries by Macy Moore on Wctrib.com from across west central Minnesota. For quick access, bookmark: wctrib.com/photo-galleries
Willmar Senior High School held its Class of 2023 commencement at the Willmar Civic Center on Sunday, June 4, 2023.
Little Crow Ski opened its summer season Friday at Neer Park. The team will perform through the end of August, 2023.
Novice and advanced spoon carvers converge in the small town of Milan for the 17th annual Spoon Gathering this weekend.
More than two dozen Memorial Day ceremonies took place throughout west central Minnesota on Monday, May 29, as residents paid respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Sibley State Park teaches children fishing basics on Lake Andrew over Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 27, 2023.
Graduation ceremony sees 23 students walk across the stage to receive their diplomas on Saturday, May 27.
Veterans and community members come together to place American flags on veteran graves, raise 100 flags at memorial the morning of Friday, May 26, 2023.
Willmar students won the Minnesota Technology and Engineering Educators Association Supermileage Challenge at Brainerd International Raceway with a car that recorded a top performance single run of 532.55 miles per gallon.
Red fox kits are visible from a home den in Chippewa County on Saturday, May 20, 2023.
Section 5A golf at Eagle Creek Golf Club on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, in Willmar.
Norwegian celebration fills Milan's downtown streets as residents celebrate their heritage Saturday, May 20, 2023.
Twin Cities magician Justin Alan brings, laughs, curiosity and fun to Willmar during his magic show at the Willmar Community Center on Thursday, May 18, 2023.
PHOTOS: Flowers, trees and green grass make a resurgence in west central Minnesota after sunny skies
Area trees, foliage burst back to life as temperatures and long, sunny days mark their return this spring season.
Fishing season for popular fish including walleye, bass and northern pike kicks off over the weekend.
Proud parents, family and friends fill sidewalks and theatre to watch students in prom grand march on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
Willmar Senior High School hosted grand march and prom festivities on Friday, May 5, 2023.
On May 4, 2023, the day before this year's Willmar Senior High School prom, school staff dress up for staff prom.
Children bike, roll and ride scooters to school during National Bike & Roll to School Day on Wednesday, May 3, 2023.
New ambulance exhibit donated by CentraCare revealed at museum's five-year celebration on Friday, April 28, 2023.
As area lakes and streams thaw, waterfowl moving north inundate open waters throughout Kandiyohi County.
Members of the Ridgewater Welding program constructed a life-size stainless steel German shepherd sculpture, which will be displayed at the Law Enforcement Center.
A weekly drum circle on Wednesdays at the Willmar Community Center focuses on community, engagement and a way to decompress while having a little fun.
First-ever Daddy Daughter Formal is a smashing success as hundreds register for night of dancing.
Law enforcement and community members pay their respects to slain Pope County Sheriff's Deputy Josh Owen during his funeral at Minnewaska Area High School on Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Glenwood, Minnesota.
Folks gathered for music, guest speakers and more at the Willmar Civic Center during the annual Life Connections event on Friday, April 21, 2023.
Karen Aakre passes along Norwegian skinfeller teachings during a two-day course at Milan Village Arts School.
Photographer Macy Moore captured some of the scenes along the Minnnesota and Chippewa rivers, which were near major flood levels on Saturday, April 15, 2023.
Folks learn how to turn junk into journals at the Willmar Public Library on Tuesday, April 11, 2023.
Hilarity ensues as The Barn Theatre invites folks to travel back in time to the middle of World War II in "The Andrews Brothers."
Following a 22-car BNSF train derailment during the early-morning hours of Thursday, March 30, 2023, workers continue cleaning up the site this week.
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Only one of the drivers were taken to an area hospital, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
Threshing shows and old machinery are featured at Heritage Hill, Hanley Falls, Atwater and Forest City, with a Summer Rendezvous also taking place at the Forest City Stockade during the threshers show.
The Kandiyohi County Board is scheduled to consider changes to the county assessing system that would make the county responsible for all property viewing in the county.
The City Council meeting takes place at 6:30 p.m. at the Kandiyohi County Health and Human Services building in the board room.
Thirteen artists are scheduled to take part in the annual arts event, which sees artists open their studios to the public in Willmar, Svea, New London and Spicer.
One of the injured people was airlifted to a hospital, while another was taken by ambulance. Three others in the crash were treated at the scene.
Radio station helps keep rural reservation communities connected by sharing stories
State Representative Chris Swedzinski and Senator Gary Dahms charge that the DFL-controlled legislature went too far in policy and spending bills.
The Golden Ticket cinema is offering 10 weeks of children's movies with both a regular showing and a show geared toward those with sensory sensitivities each Monday and Wednesday.
New legislation requires schools to end use of Native American mascots unless they seek an exemption from state's 11 tribal nations and Tribal Nations Education Committee.
News reporting
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
The Trust Project
