IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – Hundreds of families flooded into the Izzo Mariucci Building at Iron Mountain High School Gym for ‘One Big Day for Healthy Kids,’ sponsored by BOSS Snowplow, The Imagination Factory Children’s Museum, and the Northern Lights YMCA. The event, which ran from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, aimed to promote health and wellness for children and families. The event focuses on activities that promote the well-being of children, birth – age 12.
Jonathan Ringel, Executive Director of the Northern Lights YMCA, emphasized the significance of the event and the support from their partners. “One big day for healthy kids really is promoting health and wellness for children and families, and there’s nothing we feel more positive about with the partners that have helped put this event on today. You know it wouldn’t be possible without the support of BOSS Snowplow.”
Ringel highlighted the collaborative effort behind the event, stating, “We have 34 community partners who joined us today at this event.” He explained, “The focus behind it is to make and take craft projects or healthy projects that the families and children can participate in.”
Among the attractions were free bike helmets for participants, courtesy of Boss Snowplow. Ringel added, “Imagination Factory Children’s Museum is free today, thanks to Boss Snowplow as well.” He emphasized the importance of accessibility, stating, “We really focus on that free aspect to make sure that it’s accessible to everyone in the community.”
Reflecting on the event’s history, Ringel noted, “This has been an annual event that’s been going on for at least the past decade here in our community.” He expressed gratitude for the ongoing partnership with BOSS Snowplow, saying, “Originally, it started with the YMCA as part of a national movement and over the years we’ve had a number of partners with it, but this is our 4th year partnering with BOSS Snowplow, and we’ve been so happy to do that, and so excited to be able to build that partnership.´”
Acknowledging the effort involved, Ringel mentioned, “It does take a lot of volunteers, and a lot of teamwork from the setup to the tear-down.” He observed the event’s growth over the years, stating, “It grew pretty rapidly in the beginning, and then we’ve had different iterations of it and locations. We actually first had it at the Mountain View ice Arena, and then we did have it over at Breitung Township schools. Just bringing it closer to the museum, we have seen an increase in attendance and participation over the last few years.”
The event, provided a wide range of activities and resources. Ringel addressed challenges such as limited space and resources, stating, “I think one of the biggest challenges, and appreciation to BOSS for helping partner, one of the biggest difficulties is always having enough bike helmets for everyone in the community. There certainly is a cost to that, and of course, all of our spaces in the community. You are somewhat limited by spaces as well as how big you can grow, and how many vendors you can have at an event like this, so those are some of the limitations we’ve had. But as far as success, we do really feel the community enjoys it. There is nothing better than coming together to celebrate health and wellness, and to have family friendly activities that really make our community desirable and a good place to live.” Overall, BOSS gave away around 600 Bike Helmets throughout the day. Ringel emphasized the community’s enjoyment and the event’s success in promoting health and wellness.
For those interested in participating in or supporting future events, Ringel encouraged reaching out to the Northern Lights YMCA or the Imagination Factory Children’s Museum. “Anyone who is interested in volunteering or partnering or being a vendor at the event are more than welcome to reach out to the Northern Lights YMCA, or they can reach out to the Imagination Factory Children’s Museum,” he said.
For the Northern Lights YMCA, visit:
For the Imagination Factory Children’s Museum, visit:
For more information about BOSS Snowplow, the manufacturing company that sponsored the free bike helmets, free admission to the Children’s Museum, and free food for the kids, visit:
