Fitness and fun for all

A parking lot at Crystal Cove State Park was full last Saturday, but visitors were nowhere to be found in the park.

Instead, they boarded school buses bound for El Morro Elementary School’s second annual free Lifelong Fitness Fair, the day’s hottest ticket.

With booths, games, demonstrations and classes, the community event offered something for everybody.

Parents sitting in the bus’ dark green seats conversed about the fair, while kids chattered enthusiastically about which “rides” they would participate in.

Several kids were sad that last year’s popular zip line didn’t make a return, but were placated by the sight of a bungee jump.

El Morro Principal Chris Duddy said the bungee jump was brought in because it was safer than the zip line.

“The BMX bikers were also a big hit, and the free sunscreen booth was popular with the parents,” Duddy said. “It was just a high-class event.”

Duddy cited the efforts of volunteers like Lori Burgi as being critical to the success of the fair.

A highlight for kids was watching Thurston Middle School Principal Joanne Culverhouse take a dive on the bungee jump.

During the BMX demonstrations, kids were reminded that extreme athletes like Tony Hawk didn’t become rich and famous strictly because of their talent; they were told to be smart, study hard and stay in school.

Kids were also told to wear helmets, and that the team members kept a strict code of no drugs and alcohol.

Across campus, skaters performed ollies under a sign that read “No Skateboarding Allowed,” enjoying their one day a year of boarding freedom.

There were artistic opportunities for kids in addition to all of the physical ones.

The Art Miles Mural Project had a mural laid out, called “Listen to Your Heart,” which kids and parents filled in.

Alex Knoff, owner of the new Art Lab in South Laguna, had a booth in which kids could complete their own art projects for free, but ran out of materials quickly; she said she was impressed at the turnout.