Explore Heavy Machinery at the Marshfield Fairgrounds
Kiwanis Enormous Equipment Playground (KEEP) takes over the Marshfield Fairgrounds on Sat., Oct. 7.
From 10-4 p.m., parents and children are welcome to stop and explore the world of heavy machinery. Sponsored by the Marshfield Kiwanis Club, proceeds from the event go towards helping various children’s programs in the city.
Now in its 10th season, KEEP has worked hard to promote itself as a family friendly event, where kids can hop on a variety of equipment and feel the thrill of being behind the wheel of real life machinery. Donna Martin has been a co-chairperson from the start and is grateful for the support from the community.
“Many local business and organizations bring equipment to KEEP,” she said. “Most businesses allow the children to get in the driver’s seat, and some have activities that they allow with the help of a skilled operator.”
The support from the community has been essential for the event’s success. “Without these businesses there would not be a KEEP,” Martin said. “The Kiwanis Club of Marshfield is so appreciative and grateful to them for their involvement.”
Along with the heavy equipment, hands-on activities will be offered for kids to take part in. Martin said children can decorate their own concrete cake, lay brick with mortar, sift for fool’s gold, paint a rock, or try their luck in a bean toss game.
“The Home Professional of Central Wisconsin will be at KEEP with their Create a Wooden Toy workshop,” said Martin. “A bounce house will be provided and weather permitting, an enormous sand pile with toys.”
Tri-Core Insurance will provide fingerprinting of the children. Cold weather clothing and coats can be dropped off as part of KEEP’s Keep Kids Warm Drive.
For those that want a snack, concession stands will be selling hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, Go-Gurt, rice crispy treats and beverages. Souvenirs such as t-shirts, CAT toys, rubber ducks, books, puzzles and many more will be available for purchase.
Martin said that funds raised at the KEEP event stay in the city. “The Kiwanis Club of Marshfield donates to various programs that benefit children in the surrounding community. Kiwanis clubs focus on changing the world by serving children, one child and one community at a time.”
Benefiting from the proceeds include: Marshfield Middle School Literacy Gardens, Movie in the Park, The Hannah Center, Zoological Society, High School Scholarships, Easter Egg Hunt, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Fire Safety Material, Spelling Bee and the Everett Roehl Marshfield Public Library.
This is a rain or shine event as many activities will be held in the Expo Building. Admission is $3.00 for children aged 1 – 12 and $5.00 for those 13 and older.