FRANKLIN
High Street United Methodist and the James L. Camp Jr. YMCA are teaming up for a Community Fun Day, which is scheduled for Saturday, April 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All ages are welcome to this free event.

A 5K Walk/Run from 9 to 10 o’clock starts things off that day. The site will be on the church grounds, 31164 Camp Parkway, across from Riverdale Elementary School.

The upcoming program was born from a health-related event, according to Jane Riddick-Fries, who’s involved in the Community Fun Day.

“Two years ago we had done an event call Healthy Day, related to cancer prevention. So we just made it a community day, not related all to health,” she said. “We wanted to have an event for families. Something for everyone of all ages to participate in.”

Riddick-Fries added that the local YMCA will be having a Healthy Kids Day on that date, which is partly why the church is teaming up with the organization.

Bounce houses, pony rides, face painting, field races, exercise and cooking classes and a corn hole competition are among the featured activities. People can also learn about knitting and flower arranging.

The Franklin High School Robotics Team will bring its car for viewing. Speaking of which, the bookmobile, firetrucks and firefighters will be attending. Native Americans will give a performance, and Boy Scouts will also be present along with Jeff Turner, the Riverkeeper for the Blackwater and Nottoway rivers.

She also said there will be 34 groups participating ranging from the Virginia Department of Health and Social Services to Smart Beginnings and the Southampton Historical Society.

Blackwater Tradition, a bluegrass band, will perform throughout the day.

Free hot dogs and popcorn will be served at the event.

For more information, call Jane Riddick-Fries at 653-9118 or email her at jfries@feridies.com.