Kids go Totally Tiki for Ninja Warrior course in Grand Rapids

On Saturday, Itasca County kids had the opportunity to live out their dreams of being Ninja Warriors while attending the Totally Tiki Children’s Fair. The event was part of an initiative to bring more fun activities to children in Grand Rapids.

Director of Community Education for the Itasca Area Schools Collaborative, Melanie DeBay says her favorite part of the day was watching the smiling faces of the kids.

“This is our 24th annual Children’s Fair across Itasca County,” DeBay said. “We bring in approximately 3,000 families a year to this event.”

DeBay says there are 75 organizations that participate in the event, providing information and fun for families. Parents also have the opportunity to learn about services that are available to them through the county.

The kids tried their skills on an American Ninja Warrior Course.

“Everything here is free for families,” DeBay said. ” Our theme is always tropical, so it’s Totally Tiki this year. The Ninja Warrior course is a big draw where families can get active outside.”

Debay says the goal for the event is to nurture families in the community and to have valuable resources on hand.

“Our organizations come and do that with families. They engage,” she said. “They have hands-on activities. They talk to parents or grandparents that are bringing kids and really get involved.