‘More than a kernel of truth in that’ vow officials

Kids of all ages, but especially real ones, will be entertained virtually beyond measure at the 2011 Maize Days event on Sept. 24 as officials of the community-wide celebration bring back the highly popular Kid Zone area, according to Kristen Roberts, Community and Economic Development Director.
“This year’s Kid Zone will occupy about 175,000 square feet of space, that’s just over four acres of all sorts of fun and excitement,” she said.
The Kid Zone will feature several bounce houses, where shoeless kids can romp and play to their heart’s content. Younger kids will also enjoy face-painting, temporary tattoos, candy art, hay play and pony rides.
Older kids will be attracted to a rock-climbing wall, hamster balls and a zip line. Also drawing the slightly older set will be the Euro bungee Quad Pod Extreme, a controlled jump and bounce using trampolines and tie lines that allow participant to experience a bungee-like jump without climbing. And, a mobile video game theater will roll in, giving gamers a chance to test their skills.
Kids in all age groups will be fascinated by the Rad Hatter, a hands-on exhibit that allows people to make customized, wearable hats utilizing new and creative ways of working with recycled materials.
“The Kid Zone will be a real beehive of activity, a center of fun, action and unbelievable feats of entertainment,” added Roberts.
Maize Days is set for Saturday, Sept. 24 on the Municipal Complex grounds, 206 North Murphy Road starting with the A-Maize-ing 5K and Fun Run at 8 a.m. The vendor booths and Kid Zone open at 10 a.m. and run continuously until 8 p.m. Maize Days ends with a massive fireworks display starting at 8:15 p.m.