Paula Porter, For the Gazette Children enjoyed the bouncy house Saturday at the family fun fair in Calumet. The event featured, games, prizes, music, food and a variety of booths with information on community resources.

CALUMET — The purpose was right there in the name … Fun and Family, From noon to 3 p.m. the Calumet Colosseum was filled with participants of all ages as families shared a few hours of fun and games of all kinds. The Family Fun day was held in conjunction with Keweenaw Support 4 Healthy Minds. The main floor event on the Colosseum rink (sans ice) was a spread of fun activities from crafts, a big colorful bouncy house and face painting. All acivities were free and the event was open to the public.

It was the first year for the local support group to join up for the event help in partnership with the Family fun day as a resource to the Keweenaw community. Oranizers saI it was an event that was needed in our local community as many benefited.

There was an estimated attendance of more than 300 community members and volunteers. The event begin at noon and despite the cool 45 degree temperature it was well attended. From bouncy children to popping popcorn and a variety of helath advocates to dole out information and answer questions, the event was a success.

Michelle Morgan, a main advocate for Keweenaw Support 4 Healthy Minds said, “the health fair is to let people know what resources in the community we do have available.” The mission and values of the group are to talk openly about mental health, build a resilient community, and support those at risk. Morgan said that involves educating groups to listen and talk about mental health, reduce the stigma and shame, and empower people with lived experience. The group is made up of community members who come together in response to local mental health crises. She said anyone in need of immediate resources by trained mental health providers, can call or text 988.

Saturday’s event featured 34 tables with group advocates showcasing different organizations and programs to help those with mental health or substance abuse concerns. There were free displays and information tables upstairs in the ballroom, as well as free items, such as bags, bike helmets, stress balls, magnets, pens, and jar openers from various organizations.

The activities upstairs in the ballroom included displays and information on all the various available mental health resources and organizations available locally, ranging from substance abuse information to health services and mental health counseling. There was a great representation of the areas best resources.

Participants entered the Colosseum through a green balloon arch. In the lobby there was a table where folks were given free door prize tickets for the 2:15 p.m. drawing. Prizes included scooters, an arcde basketball hoop set, an air fort, a balance bike for kids, sketch books and more.

There were several activity tables with activities for children and grown ups. The tables included crafts, face painting, and temporary tattoos. There was also music and a long colorful bouncy house to explore. Kids lined up to get a turn for the bouncy house and slide. All activities were well attended.

Youth Development Specialist, Callisto Cortez said the event from Copper Shores was put on by the Lake Linden police department from a policing grant. The goal was bringing the community together, and promoting pro-social behaviors, building community and connecting with other people.

Everything at the concession stand was free to the participants — sub sandwiches from Jimmy Johns and Subway, hotdogs, popcorn, chips, cotton candy, and lemonade. Also, Keweenaw Coffee Works provided.

Mom of two, Maija Kytta from Mohawk, said “It’s awesome; they’re having a fun fair for the kids, and local resources for families.” And there plenty of smiling kids to back that sentiment up. The Keweenaw Support 4 Healthy Minds and the Family Fun day inaugural team up was a success.

For more information visit www.keweenawcommunityfoundation.org/keweenaw-suppirt-4-healthy-minds. The group meets the last Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Portage Lake District Library. Coming up, Keweenaw Support 4 Healthy Minds will host a fundraiser Run in Mohawk on July 12th.