Photo by Dwayne Black Heather Bruse and Tanner Bruse twirl a jump rope for Avery Pochardt and Paisley Pochardt Thursday evening during Lynd Public School’s “Fine Arts and Fitness” family fun night

LYND — Area kids and families got active and creative Thursday night at a new event at Lynd Public School. The school held its first-ever “Fine Arts and Fitness” family fun night.

“Last year, we decided to do something to showcase students’ art projects,” said Lynd Principal Jason Swenson. At the same time, organizers thought it would be fun to encourage fitness and active games for students of all ages.

Families started out by checking out displays of artworks by students in pre-K all the way through eighth grade. Then, people gathered in the gym for activities like jump rope, ball games, and more.

“We had a good crowd for our first time,” Swenson said. “I had a number of comments that it was nice to see kids playing and having fun, and not looking at phones.”

Swenson said he wanted to thank art teachers Mark Greenwood and Kelly Pochardt, physical education teacher Jennifer Louwagie, and the kitchen staff at Lynd School for helping make the event possible. Next year, organizers hope to be able to add music to the event, as well as art and fitness, Swenson said.