Family Fun Days bring community together

Published 12:00 am Sunday, July 3, 2005

In its 27th year, the Coal Grove Betterment Club's Family Fun Days is bigger and better than ever, and its organizers want to bring together more than just families.

Joyce Caskey is a member of the Church of the Nazarene, which is selling cookies and cakes from a stand all three days of the Family Fun Days. Even when not selling goodies, she goes every year.

"They just have nice activities for the whole family," Caskey said. "The whole family can come. They have entertainment, nice booths, good food."

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Family Fun Days kicked off Friday afternoon at Paul Porter Park. On Saturday the spotlight was on musician Brandon DePriest and former American Idol contestant Kelly Greco.

Today, the park will be the site of an old-fashioned gospel sing from 1 to 7 p.m. Craig Haney will take the stage at 8 p.m., and Family Fun Days will come to an explosive end at 10 p.m. with a fireworks display. The big finish is what drew 10-year-old Darrien Haskins to Family Fun Days.

"I think it's really fun. Everybody gets to come and enjoy music," Haskins said. "I can't wait to watch the fireworks."

Sue Triplett, president of the Coal Grove Betterment Club, said that more than bringing families together, she hoped the Family Fun Days would unite the community.

"We want all the people from Coal Grove to come up and feel like a family," Triplett said. "I know everybody that I meet in Coal Grove. It's just like we're one big family."