On September 24th, the Fulton County Extension Office and the Fulton County Schools Family Resource office collaborated together to host the fourth annual Family Day event. CASA Family Day is a national program sponsored by the Center for Substance Abuse which encourages parental engagement. Research shows that children with hands-on parents are far less likely to smoke, drink or use other drugs. 

Through funds provided by the Fulton County-Hickman County ASAP council, a dinner was provided in hopes of getting a large number turnout.  The event was marketed through flyers being sent home with every student from preschool to high school and flyers being hung around the community to encourage everyone to come and bring their families. The meal consisted of BBQ chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans and rolls. After families ate and talked, several rounds of Bingo was played with a chance to win a sweet treat. Activities included each family receiving a deck of cards to encourage play and conversation at the table. They also received a 2018 CASA Family Day magnets, calendars, reading materials, and recipe cards from the SNAP ED program. At the end of the night, drawings for four large family size cooking gadgets was given away to an adult to encourage cooking and family meals together. 

We had a great turnout with 150 people attending the family day event. This number increased from previous years! We had many of the same families to return. When asked why they came to the event, many commented that spending time with their family was very important and they enjoyed not having to cook a meal. The event was such a success with collaboration from Tyson Foods who donated 200 pieces of chicken, the griller who donated his services, and the others mentioned previously.There is a plan to host a family day event every year!