Both were surprised at the large turnout.

“We had coloring books, we had fruit snacks,” Rieke said. “When they came in at 9 a.m. it was a rush of people, so we’re out of stuff.”

Wallen also said the items at his vendor table disappeared in a hurry as well.

“It’s been really busy. The kids seem to enjoy all the activities. It’s nice to make that connection. We talk about personal safety, stranger safety, drugs,” Wallen said.

“Nice pathway to get connected with the public and the kids outside the police car, outside the job itself. There’s no bad stuff happening here. This is a fun and happy time. We can give positive interactions. If you can imagine, we go to people’s houses because we’re called there because something happened and not always the best of terms. When we have opportunities like this, it really is a better environment to make those connections.”

Rieke also said the police department participates in a number of community events to connect with youngsters.

“Just to be able to approach the police and we are here to help and not be afraid. Especially with the kids,” Rieke said. “We do deal with a lot of lost child calls.”

The Healthy Kids Day at the YMCA offered special activities and events open to the public

. Besides vendors, there was a bounce house and games. Law enforcement was joined by the Marshall Public Schools District and the Lyon County Historical Society with vendor tables.

“Basically, we are just trying to kickoff a healthy summer for kids. Keep them active throughout the summer,” Chelsey Hoekstra said.

Photo by Mike Lamb There were a number of activities and items to play with during the Healthy Kids Day at the Marshall Area YMCA Saturday.

She is director of membership at the YMCA and a coordinator of the event. Kristin Moses, director of Healthy Living, also assisted with the event.

“We want to bring communities together and encourage kids to develop healthy behaviors and habits,” Moses said. “So we got all these activities, different sports. We’ encouraging reading and then also having healthy snacks for them out in the lobby — fruits, vegetables, water.”

Hoekstra said they would like to add more vendors next year.

“We had more vendors this year and I’d say we have probably twice as many people. Super good turnout,” she said.

Photo by Mike Lamb Yaretzi Estaresparza, left, and Sutton Schwartzwork on some art work during the Healthy Kids Day at the Marshall Area YMCA Saturday.

Photo by Mike Lamb Lyon County Sheriff Eric Wallen talks with some youth during the Healthy Kids Day at the Marshall Area YMCA Saturday.

Photo by Mike Lamb Marshall Police Department Sgt. Ben Rieke talks with a mother and her two children during the Healthy Kids Day at the Marshall Area YMCA Saturday.