At left: Adults and children, including Mercy Freed, 8, of Engadine, fill Little Bear East Arena wearing balloon designs such as hats and butterfly wings, during Super Saturday. A line quickly forms of those seeking the wearable sculptures by "the balloon man," Ken Anstice of Sault Ste. Marie, Canada. Mr. Anstice was assisted by his wife, Evelyn (not pictured). A festive atmosphere centered around young people drew families from around the Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan to Super Saturday in St. Ignace, as more than 450 people visited with friends and enjoyed games, activities, and a petting zoo during the afternoon at Little Bear Arena May 3.

Parents were able to register their little ones in the Michigan Child Identification Program, and learn about child development and parent support resources. Children played with animals and balloons, took on the challenge of a bicycle obstacle course, made cards, built birdhouses, planted seeds, made jewelry, and ate hot dogs.

Families spilled outside into the parking lot to explore a 25-foot U.S. Coast Guard boat from Station St. Ignace. Parked nearby was the St. Ignace firetruck. Fire department crew members were on hand to answer children's questions and teach them about the workings of the truck.

At right, showing off his face painting, Kaiden Grove, 2, of St. Ignace, explores the cabin of the U.S. Coast Guard Station St. Ignace's 25-foot Homeland Security boat. "Basically, we try to have a fun day for the kids," said George Ford, chairperson of the event.

The event and food were free to all. In its fourth year, Super Saturday is organized by Michigan State University Extension's 4-H Youth Program, 4-H Council, and the Great Start Program of the Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District (ISD).

More than 20 vendors from community agencies offered activities and prizes for the children. Prizes including bicycle safety helmets were given away through the three-hour event. Mitchell Peterson and Lydia Brown, third grade St. Ignace students, each won a new bicycle donated by the Masonic Lodge.

Two years ago, Super Saturday organizers merged the annual Michigan University Extension children's fair and Great Start's Early Childhood Fair hosted by the ISD.

Noah Sydow, 4, of Brutus gets help maneuvering through the bicycle course by Michigan State Trooper Fred Strich. One of the activities at Super Saturday, the Bike Rodeo was sponsored by St. Ignace City Police and the State Police. The law enforcement agencies gave away 120 bicycle helmets during the event. Local service organizations contributed funding support to this year's fair, Mr. Ford said.

Local civic and service organizations, law enforcement agencies, and businesses sponsor the event, including Masonic Lodge, St. Ignace Lions Club, Project DARE, Moose Lodge #999, St. Ignace Kiwanis Club, Glen's Market, Griffin Beverage, City of St. Ignace, First National Bank of St. Ignace, Jabber Joes, and the St. Ignace Visitors Bureau.