Several children took pictures with puppets, tossed bean bags into holes and got trapped underneath a colorful parachute Thursday during the 19th annual Stand for Children Day at Bowling Green Ballpark.

“I can’t believe I made it out alive,” said 7-year-old Michael Hepp as he crawled out from under the parachute.

More than 40 local businesses and organizations set up tents Thursday around the stadium and on the field for children to play games and get free books, candy and other items, while parents received information about their services. 

This is the first year that Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America participated in the event. It wants to teach parents to be responsible when it comes to having guns around their children. Volunteer Survivor Engagement lead Haley Rinehart’s son is a survivor of gun violence after finding an unsecured gun and shooting himself when he was 4 years old.

“Basically it tells (parents) to secure their guns and to ask neighbors and friends, whose houses their kids may go see, to make sure that guns are locked up and stored before their kids go into the homes,” Rinehart said. “So, I think it’s very important for parents of kids to know that guns are not toys and I think this event is such a great thing for the community because it allows parents to see everything the county has to offer.”

The Community Action Headstart staff was handing out books, sunglasses and bubbles to the kids to promote literacy, kindergarten readiness and getting them ready for school.

“I think it’s just a great way to get kids out and to let them know we care about them and give them some fun activities to do,” said Donna Everly, Community Action local area manager.

Bowling Green resident Quenthia Williams heard about the event through her parents and brought her sons Armoni, 6, and Xavier, 4, to enjoy all the activities that were being offered.

“It just teaches them different things, how to stay healthy, get moving, keep them busy and give them something to do so they won’t be bored,” Williams said. 

Armoni said he was having fun and he’s really enjoying the day. 

“Because it’s sunny and a great day,” he said. 

Oakland Elementary School second-grader Georgia Cherry said her favorite part of the day was the parachute.

“We got to go under it and we got trapped,” Georgia said. 

Georgia’s brother Nate Cherry, who also is a second grader at Oakland, said he enjoyed the football.

“We got to catch it and throw it,” Nate said.

— Follow faith/general assignments reporter Simone C. Payne on Twitter @SimonePayne or visit bgdailynews.com.