School mascots, the Ram and the Mallard, posed for pictures.

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Students from Wilson and McKinley elementary schools gathered at the McKinley playground the night of April 30 for a fun-filled celebration of Dia del Niño or Day of the Child.

Maria Diaz was in charge of the event.

“We’ve partnered with the committee of multi-lingual parents. They essentially have students who are second- language learners in our districts. We come together to learn how to support our English learners. Last year they thought of putting together this great event. So this is our second year coming to honor and celebrate our children, which (Dia del Niño) is a big traditional celebration in Latin America,” said Diaz. 

The bounce house was popular at the Dia del Niño celebration. 

Also known as International Children’s Day, the event was first proclaimed in 1925 at the World Conference on Child Welfare in Geneva, Switzerland, according to Wikipedia.

Many enthusiastic children had a variety of activities to choose from, including bubble blowing, bean bag toss, a fishpond, egg race (with artificial eggs) and a very large bounce house. During the fun, parents and children could have free popcorn, hot dogs and slushies. 

Several third-graders from Sloane Devoto’s class spoke with the Gridley Herald about what they liked the most at the event. Answers ranged from “Everything!” to (temporary) tattoos, face painting and the bounce house.      

The Wilson and McKinley school mascots, the Ram and the Mallard, were also there, posing for pictures.

Bubble-blowing captivated the children at the Dia del Niño celebration at McKinley school.