Civic Center offers cure for holiday blahs- Fun Fest program aims to beat boredom

By Margaret Hobbs

left, Trey Martin and Caden Brownyard apply bird seed to their winter treat for the birds. The twosome took time out from dodgeball activities to participate. Right, Penny Wanamaker assists Marah Wanamaker spread peanut butter on a bird treat.

Christmas has come and gone, the presents have been opened, and many children are getting bored with staying inside and playing with their new toys and gadgets. Maybe it’s time for some activity.

That’s the idea behind the McMinnville Civic Center’s Holiday Fun Fest. Activities have been ongoing since Dec. 21 when youngsters made cards to send to American troops serving overseas. Other activities have included dodgeball, bingo, 5-on-5 basketball, volleyball, wobbleball, Price is Right contest and The Amazing Race activities.

On Thursday youngsters, and a few adults, gathered in the gymnasium for some rousing games of dodgeball, basketball and volleyball. The younger set enjoyed making treats for the birds from bagels, peanut butter and bird seed. After receiving a small lesson on the needs of the birds in the winter season, their finished products were placed on a tree outside the Civic Center.

Six-year-old Madison Cantrell, who proudly hung her bird seed encrusted bagel on the tree said, ‘It was fun, kind of messy with the peanut butter, but it will help the birds this winter.’

Activities were planned by Civic Center recreation activities programmer Melanie Carter in an effort to keep kids active over the break from school.

‘It is important to keep them busy, not let them get too bored, and of course to get some physical activity,’ said Carter.

She is being assisted in the program by student volunteer Penny Wanamaker, who is on break from Tennessee Technological University.

‘I love kids, and it is very fun to be with them, and to give back to my community. I’m learning a lot myself about the games and the rules,’ said Wanamaker.

Activities start up again tomorrow and continue through Jan. 4 at the Civic Center for youth ages 8-15, with a $2 daily admission charge.

The daily schedule includes:

Mon., Dec. 31 ‘ dribbling contest at 1 p.m.; 3-point shoot out at 2 p.m.; New Years Bingo at 3 p.m.; and relay races at 4 p.m.

Wed., Jan. 2 ‘ dodgeball at 1 p.m.; Ping-Pong tourney at 2 p.m.; Frisbee throwing contest at 3 p.m.; and balloon fun at 4 p.m.

Thurs., Jan. 3 ‘ wiffleball at 1 p.m.; hot shot contest at 2 p.m.; 5-on-5 basketball at 3 p.m.; and volleyball at 4 p.m.

Fri., Jan. 4 ‘ relay races at 1 p.m.; dodgeball at 2 p.m.; 3-point shoot out at 3 p.m.; and Ping-Pong tourney at 4 p.m.

‘We still have lots of fun planned, and hope everyone will come out and enjoy our facility, and get some exercise too!’ said Carter.