MARQUETTE — From 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 26, the David and Thu Brule YMCA of Marquette County at 1420 Pine St. will be putting on its annual Healthy Kids Day event. The event is free to all, regardless of YMCA membership. Healthy Kids Day promotes healthy habits and combines education with fun active activities.

“Healthy Kids Day is all about inspiring healthy habits that last well beyond the event,” said Carrigan LaBelle, youth and wellness director at the YMCA. “By offering hands-on experiences, connecting families with local health-focused businesses, and showcasing the many opportunities available through the Y and other community organizations, we hope to spark ongoing engagement in active, healthy living. It’s a celebration of community wellness, and a chance for families to build connections that will support them throughout the year.”

Healthy Kids Day is a nationwide YMCA program, but the Marquette and Escanaba YMCAs are the only Upper Peninsula. Ys participating in the event this year, according to the national YMCA website.

“There will be something for everyone,” said LaBelle. “From active games and a bouncy house to a family-friendly scavenger hunt and healthy snacks, the day is packed with fun. We’ll also have local vendors on-site offering great resources and activities that support health and wellness for the whole family.

“This event evolves each year, and 2025 is no exception. We’re excited to welcome new vendors like Moosewood Nature Center and NeuroFit, LLC, as well as an amazing group of volunteers — from NMU Athletics to Rotary Club members and beyond. Looking ahead, we’re thrilled about the construction of our new multipurpose field house, which breaks ground later this month. We can’t wait to see how Healthy Kids Day continues to grow in this new space in the future!”

The plans to build a new multipurpose field house at the David and Thu Brule YMCA were announced in November. The new facility will increase the YMCA’s capacity, as well as offer more opportunities for winter programming.