The McKinley Mallard made an appearance, taking a moment to pose with Fiona and Theo Waterbury and a volunteer from the high school.

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – The McKinley School campus was filled with activity April 30 during a well-attended Children’s Day celebration hosted by McKinley and Wilson elementary schools.

Gridley’s two elementary schools partnered with the English Learner Advisory Committee, or ELAC, to bring the event to students and families.

Alma Ramos, K-5 community schools coordinator, said Día del Niño, or Children’s Day, is a tradition celebrated in Mexico that focuses on the health, happiness, safety and well-being of children.

Marissa Mondragon, Summer Meza and Alejandra Gomez are three of the 20 GHS students that volunteered to help run games at Children’s Day.

“Parents from our English Learner Advisory Committee suggested we bring this celebration for our children to Gridley Unified three years ago,” Ramos said.

Children moved between activities across the campus, which included games such as oversized Connect 4, races and a busy bounce house. Face painting and airbrush tattoos were also offered.

Free popcorn and snow cones were available throughout the event. The Knights of Columbus cooked and served complimentary hot dogs to attendees.

Butte County Public Health Injury Prevention staff were also on site to fit youth for helmets and provide bicycle safety instruction. Children who visited the booth received tickets to enter a bike giveaway.

Gridley Knights of Columbus help cook up free hotdogs for Children’s Day attendees.

“We were very excited this year because our local businesses donated a variety of prizes that include bikes, toys, candy, cupcakes and coupons to local restaurants and more,” Ramos said.

Thirteen bikes and five scooters were given away, along with additional prizes such as piñatas, water toys and sports equipment. McKinley Principal Treat announced winners for nearly an hour.

Ramos said North Valley Community Catholic Services assisted with managing the large number of giveaway tickets. She also credited McKinley staff member Linda Lopez for supporting ELAC parents in organizing the event.

Ramos said attendance exceeded expectations.

“It was double the amount of attendees compared to last year,” Ramos said. “I wish we had more time to give the children more time to play in the different activities.”

ELAC members expressed thanks to volunteers, contributors and donors who helped make the event possible.

Thiago rides a bouncing dinosaur across the finish line with a smile stretching ear to ear.