GREEN COVE SPRINGS —Although the time came for booths to take down their tents and pack up following this year’s Fun in the Sun Children’s Event, the Village Improvement Association President Larianne Stutts said she'd be taking the joy of its success with her.

"I'm thrilled with everything," she said.

The third-annual free event, hosted by the VIA on Thursday, July 10, was nothing short of a day of leisure and fun for local youth.

From 10 a.m. to noon, more than 500 guests entered Vera Francis Hall Park ready to enjoy music, a photo booth, face painting, frozen treats, goodie bags and snacks.

Additionally, the children were able to take home a balloon animal created by Florida Blue, one of the event's many sponsors, and also try their hand at shooting an arrow with the help of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).

Stutts said FWS was a new vendor this year, also giving guests a glimpse at taxidermy. Other vendors included the Clay County Public Library System and the Clay County Sheriff's Office. Guests were also able to stop and take a peek at vehicles from the Green Cove Springs Police Department and Vallencourt Construction Company. Clay County Fire Rescue provided water activities to cool everyone off. 

"We had several people who called us and wanted to participate," she said.

Stutts said watching the event's growth throughout the past few years has been awesome.

"I just think it's so neat to stay so connected with so many people in our community. And I like having something fun and not costly for the families to be together," she said.

Stutts said the organization thanks everyone who was involved in making the day what it was, and they look forward to next year.

"It's exceeding our expectations every time," she said.