Rain has not fallen on the Saturday before Mother's Day in at least 28 years and Fun in the Park organizers are crossing their fingers that today won't be any different.

Weather forecasters from the National Weather Service at Newport say today will be partly cloudy and pleasant - perfect for the festivities at Bill Fay Park.

The 28th annual event opens at 10 a.m. today and runs through 2 p.m., with activities for the whole family.

"We're going to have great entertainment, good clean fun," Debra Wicker, assistant at the Kinston-Lenoir County Parks and Recreation Department, said. "It's going to be a great day."

Craft projects will be available to children in time to make something special for Mom for Mother's Day on Sunday. Live music begins at 11:30 a.m. Flimsy the Clown will be on hand with a collection of racing cars to tie in with the day's racing theme, as well as pony rides, a petting zoo, moon walk, a Velcro wall, train rides, a gigantic slide, and carnival games where children can win prizes. Some talented youngster will be the winner at an American Idol-style contest, and someone else will win the hula-hoop contest.

Tickets for rides will cost 50 cents.

Saturday is also the opening day for t-ball at the park. Other teams will be playing Babe Ruth baseball and a challenger game of Little League baseball for children with physical challenges.

If the day's activities spark an appetite, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, snow cones, sodas, popcorn and candies will be available at concession stands.

Print this page

Have an opinion. Register Here and post on our Message board.