It was definitely a day for the kids, with the adults just along for the ride. Children’s Day at the St. Clement’s Island Museum in Colton’s Point was one of the most successful ever with the perfect weather bringing out crowds that packed the museum and its grounds
Inside the museum the first 100 children received a free t-shirt. There was storytime from St. Mary’s County Library. And, Fillup the Frog from Community Bank of tri-County was on hand to greet the kids.
On the stage outside, in front of the Little Red Schoolhouse, Super Magic Man Reggie Rice enthralled young and old alike as he engaged some of the kids in his act. Also on the lawn there were sack races and games from the Seventh District Volunteer Fire Department and the Seventh District Optimist Club.
Nearby deputies Mike Butler and Andrew Holton of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Department talked to the kids while Your Journey Studios provided personal ID kits.
At the riverfront picnic area Nancy on Call of Southern Maryland provided free face painting, there was sidewalk chalk art, and heritage games such as blowing bubbles, stilt walking and bean tossing.
On a more serious note, Emergency Management recruiter Bill Smith was available to talk about the challenges and rewards of being a volunteer with the fire departments and rescue squad.
On the other side of the street the Seventh District Optimist Club offered food items for 50 cents each and Mike Barbour handed out free sno-cones (this reporter got a grape one).
And the highlight for many of the children and adults was the free boat ride (for the kids) over to St. Clement’s Island, the site of Maryland’s founding, and the main historical purpose of the museum.
Old-time punishment racks were situated beside the museum for the kids to pose for pictures. As one child was heard to yell while posing, “I’ve been a BAD boy.” But that was all in jest for, as all the smiling faces showed, it was indeed a GOOD day for everyone.
