GATESVILLE – Six years ago it began as a simple way to learn how an active lifestyle and healthy eating habits can improve an individual’s way of life.

Now the 7^th annual Family Fun & Fitness Day has transformed into a GatesCounty tradition, as well as a popular event attended by those from outside the county.

The Gates Partners for Health team will host the event on Saturday, Sept. 21 at the GatesCountyCommunity Center. It begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m. with the popular game show, “Minute to Win It.”

Admission, as normal, is free.

“We’re really excited about this special day set aside for family fun and fitness. It’s a day with activities for both children and adults,” said Esther Lassiter of Gates Partners for Health.

She added, “We’re inviting everyone to come out and enjoy this special day,” Lassiter said. “We have long list of activities that patrons can be engaged in during the day, including our second annual Healthy Grill-Off competition. If you have a grill and you have a special healthy recipe we invite you to take part in that particular event.”

This annual event is designed to provide a fun day for all.  Physical activities, health education resources, free health screenings, injury prevention demonstrations and educational sessions are offered to address the priority health issues identified in the Community Health Assessment for GatesCounty.  The areas of priority include obesity, access to health care and chronic diseases.

The schedule for Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Community Center is as follows:

Outdoor activities

Youth soccer games 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Motorcycle and Car Show – public to vote for “Best in Show”

Bouncy houses for youth – FREE

Face Painting for youth – FREE

Bike Rodeo at 11:30 a.m. (age groups 5-8 and 9-12)

Co-ed Horse Shoe Tournament

“Healthified” Tailgating Grill-Off – Junior and Senior Division – call GatesCountyCommunity Center to Register

Infant Car Seat Safety Checks – FREE

Live snakes with Jane Wyche from Merchants Mill Pond

Scavenger Hunt

Food Vendors

Door prize drawings every 30 minutes

Inside Activities

“Addressing Chronic Disease” Talk Sessions – Room C     10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

FREE Blood Glucose, Cholesterol, and Blood Pressure checks by AgriSafe – Room A

BMI Screenings by Vidant WellnessCenter – Room A

Health Education Booths – Gym

Craft Booths – Gym

Senior Exercises with Runelle

Free Popcorn & Bottled Water

“Minute To Win It” Game Show 1- 2 p.m. in the gym

Gates Partners for Health (GP4H) is a state certified Healthy Carolinians Partnership.  GP4H serves as a network of agencies and citizens dedicated to improving the health and quality of life in our community.

For more information please contact Esther Lassiter at 357-1380 or email elassiter@arhs-nc.org