On September 23rd, the Fulton County 4-H Agent, Fulton County Schools Family Resource Youth Service Center, and City of Hickman collaborated together to host the fifth 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, we hosted a picnic in the park for families to come and hang out with us. The event was marketed through the schools (every preschooler through high school student received a flyer) and flyers were hung around the community to encourage everyone to come and bring their families. Social media and signage was used to help promote the day as well.

Picnic in the Park was an attempt to try something different and new from previous years. We asked family members to bring chairs or a blanket to sit on in the grassy areas. The city park is spacious so families could spread out and play games and the little kids could have room to run around, we were in the fresh air and sunshine, and families could actually talk to one another without having to speak in low hushed tones like they would if they were in an inside building. Food was provided by the grant and was used to purchase hamburger, hotdogs, chips, cookies, and a drink. We had Extension staff and volunteers to grill, wrap burgers and hot dogs, and stuff lunch bags. We also purchased bingo prizes and giveaways with the grant money in attempt to get a good attendance. 

The evening began with conversation starters and silly games to get families to laugh and smile, food was then served and afterwards we played several rounds of Bingo. At the end of the night, there was a drawing for an instant pot and the winner was speechless to receive such a nice gift. The cooking gadget was a way to encourage cooking and family meals together.

 We had about 60 people in attendance for the family day event. This number was a decrease however because the format changed (park) and there was a conflict with a school sporting event, we were still happy with the turnout. 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.