Fun in the Sun draws 1k attendees for evening of family fun
BOYD COUNTY, Ky. — Approximately 1,000 people gathered at the old Boyd County High School football field last month for the third annual summer play event, “Fun in the Sun,” enjoying an evening filled with outdoor activities, food, and games.
Organized through the Boyd County Fiscal Court in partnership with Boyd County Schools Family Resource and Youth Services Centers (FRYSC) and numerous community partners, the free event was designed to encourage families to spend time together outdoors while providing children with a safe and fun way to enjoy their summer.
“Fun in the Sun was a wonderful event. We had a great turn out,” said Kacy Abrams, Community Development Director, Boyd County Fiscal Court.
Despite the threat of summer weather, conditions ultimately cooperated, allowing families to take full advantage of the evening’s activities, which included inflatables, a foam party, crafts, yard games, food, Kona Ice, kids yoga, balloon animals, temporary tattoos and more.
“The weather ended up holding off for us and we had so much fun. We had several groups volunteer this year and it was such a big help. I love seeing our community come together for such a wonderful time,” Abrams said.
The event originally began as “The Longest Day of Play,” a nationwide effort encouraging children to spend time outdoors and play. Although the event was moved from the longest day of the year and renamed “Fun in the Sun,” its central mission remains unchanged.
“I love just looking around and seeing so many families spending time together and smiling. I love that we are able to provide our community with this opportunity,” Abrams said.
This year’s sponsors included Boyd County government, Boyd County Schools FRYSC, Marathon, UK King’s Daughters, Member’s Choice Credit Union, Davis Equipment, River Valley Church, Ashland Community & Technical College, Kentucky Power, Advantage Plus Realty, Ramey Estep/Regroup, and The Write Touch Studio.
For Abrams, seeing those organizations and community members work together to create an evening for local families is one of the most rewarding aspects of the event.
“It means so much to me to be able to provide these opportunities to families of Boyd County. I am proud to be able to provide events for families to come together and make memories,” Abrams said.
Shianne Justice, a mom of five who attended last month’s event, says she is thankful for local events like “Fun in the Sun.”
"As a mom of five, it is hard to find an event where I can take my kids and keep them entertained for hours,” she said. “At ‘Fun in the Sun,’ they didn’t want to leave. Everything was so much fun, and there was something for every kid to enjoy. Free Kona Ice, a foam machine, water slides, balloon animals—what more could a kid ask for? Thank you for hosting an event that helps families create the best memories."
