The Superior Dome was filled with over 40 inflatable activities on Saturday for the eigth annual Pump Up the Dome kids event. Pictured, 9-year-old Allanah Down is inverted on an inflatable velcro wall, as Northern Michigan University student athlete volunteers Jeremy Statz, left, and Edward Krajewski celebrate, proclaiming that this was the highest they were able to flip someone onto the wall all day. (Journal photo by Rachel Oakley)

By RACHEL OAKLEY

Journal Staff Writer

MARQUETTE — The inside of the Superior Dome in Marquette was a colorful sight on Saturday when it was filled to the brim with dozens of giant inflatable structures and activities for kids during the eighth annual Pump Up the Dome event.

“We have 40 different inflatable games and activities,” said Tricia Bush, associate director of campus recreation for Northern Michigan University. “They range from slides to obstacle courses, bounce houses, interactive sports games and a crazy large sandbox.”

The day garners thousands of parents and children looking to have some fun during the coldest time of the year. Bush said Pump Up the Dome helps kids fight the winter blues.

“It’s been super cold recently with the negative windchills and (kids) can’t really play outside very much, and so it gets them exercise,” she said.

Bush said that last year the number of visitors was well over 3,500, but she could see this year the crowd was smaller. She guessed it was “because of the more significant flu season that we’ve been having this year. I think makes a difference on this type of event for kids.”

Still, there was a healthy throng of visitors, and Bush said the event is run with the help of 160 student athlete volunteers. Half the proceeds of the event go to offset funds for NMU’s club sports teams, in particular paying athletic trainers for high-risk sports. The other half of the funds go to ACA Jumps, the company that provided the inflatable activities.

Rachel Oakley can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 243. Her email address is roakley@miningjournal.net.