In Scott County, 21% of the adult population reported they did not participate in any physical activity in the past month. This statistic is supported by the fact that 65% of the adult population in the county is considered overweight and 37% is considered obese (kentuckyhealthfacts.org). Recognizing that adults serve as primary role models for children, Scott County Cooperative Extension Office wanted to create an event to encourage physical activity for both youth and adults.

In an effort to plan a community wide event, all program areas within the extension office (4-H Youth Development, Horticulture, SNAP Education, and FCS) collaborated with WEDCO District Health Department to plan The Longest Day of Play. WEDCO provided insight to a neighboring counties long-standing event while the extension office utilized university resources, local contacts, and fresh ideas from their individual programs.

When the event came to fruition, there were 14 local agencies involved in sponsoring the program including Scott County Parks and Recreation, Georgetown Fire Department, and our local tourism office, to name a few. Each sponsoring agency participated by providing a door prize or setting up a booth that incorporated an element of physical activity.

Youth represents the future of our population and we felt it was important to involve kids in our event. However, the staggering health statistics proved adults needed the education as well. The result was a diversified marketing approach including flyers delivered to all local elementary schools, advertisements in the local paper, a Facebook event, and promotional banners. Frisbees were also designed with an event flyer attached and handed out at local parks to encourage families to attend.

In its first year the program drew over 250 participants. During the event, attendees learned about various forms of physical activity, participated in games proving that physical activity can be fun, and walked away with research based information on how to be more active.

Feedback from partners indicated they thought the event was a success as well. Comments included “Great event!” and “Glad we were able to inform so many of our residents of our available services. Thank you for the opportunity!” Plans are in place to continue the event next year with more partners, higher attendance, and increased educational opportunities for the Scott County Community.