The Bourbon County Family Resource and Youth Services Centers (FRYSC) held their annual back-to-school FUNFEST on July 2, 2023 at the Bourbon County High School.
Despite the heat, 487 guests participated in the event. Thirty Community Partners displayed booths to hand out information regarding their programs and also gave out goodies, such as pencils, books, pens, and candy. “Although our participation was down a little this year, possibly due to the power outages all over the county, FRYSC Staff considers the event successful. Everyone who participated seemed to enjoy themselves and the children had fun with the inflatables, face painting and the Bookworm game,” stated Nikki Mullins, YSC Director of BCHS.
Parents were presented the opportunity to sign their children up to receive school supplies and families received free clothing. The River of Life Church and The First Presbyterian Church were at the event to provide free school supplies for students in attendance.
Guests received 15 door prize tickets per family to receive great prizes throughout the event. Everyone was given meal tickets for a free hotdog, chips, cookie and drink, sponsored by the First Baptist Church of Paris. Many took advantage of the Paris Police Department’s Kid ID Station and to receive the COVID-19 Vaccine, given by the Bourbon County Health Department. Numerous volunteers helped the FRYSC pull-off the successful event.
The FRYSC team was especially grateful to all volunteers, vendors, and community agencies who helped make Funfest possible. Mrs. Doyle shared her appreciation for all volunteers, saying, “this event, which took two days to just physically set-up, and a year’s planning, could not possibly go as well as it does without the help of our volunteers, and we truly appreciate all of the help that we receive. With 487 participants, representing 662 students and families, the event was very successful in preparation for the upcoming school year”.
The FRYSC Staff, Danita Earlywine, Mikki Johnson, Nikki Mullins, Julie Blackburn and Lisa Doyle would like to publicly say thank you to everyone who participated in the 2023 FUNFEST, and say that they look forward to seeing everyone again next July.
In other news, the culinary I and II students at the Bourbon County High School prepared PB&J sandwiches for the Catholic Action Center in Lexington for donation. With high temperatures outside this week the center was in need of extra support and assistance with meals. Our students were excited and proud to participate in acts of kindness in community service by caring for people in their community.
