The Jennersville YMCA marked Healthy Kids Day with a community-wide event in downtown Oxford on April 25.

“This is always a fun event,” said Teresa Rougeaux, the director of marketing for Jennersville Regional Hospital, who was there to teach youngsters about heart health on the hospital’s behalf.

As in previous years, the event, which is part of a national YMCA initiative, attracted a large crowd with dozens of free activities that would inspire kids to keep their minds and bodies in shape by staying healthy and active.

There were games, healthy snacks, arts and crafts, and dance and fitness demonstrations. One of the goals of Healthy Kids Day is to encourage children to maintain healthy habits throughout the year, including summer, when children gain weight twice as fast as during the school year.

Donna Hosler, the executive director of Oxford Mainstreet, Inc., said that she was pleased with the 2015 event.

“In spite of the unseasonably cool temperatures, Healthy Kids Day 2015 was a huge success,” she said. “We had demonstrations, free food, games and even a fire truck for the kids to sit in.”

Hosler said that it took a good team effort to stage the event for the community.

“Thank you to the staff from the Jennersville YMCA who did a great job coordinating the event,” said Hosler, adding that she also wanted to thank the Oxford Police Department, the Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. staff and volunteers, and Oxford businesses for their cooperation and hard work.

“These events would not be possible without the dozens of people who work behind the scenes to make them happen,” said Hosler.