Healthy Tekoa Coalition hosts family carnival

TEKOA— HEALTHY Tekoa Coalition will be hosting it’s Family Masquerade Carnival Saturday, March 18, from 1 to 3 p.m at the Tekoa High School.

HEALTHY Tekoa Coalition is a volunteer prevention organization established to promote healthy choices in youth and bonding opportunities with family and community.

Coalition Coordinator, Jennifer Olson, stated that due to the shutdown the event has not been able to happen in three years.

“We’re going to have games, we’re going to have a photo booth and face painting,” Olson said, adding that there will be crafts as well. She further stated that the Sheriff’s Department will come, and there will be a tri-fold jail. There will also be a healthy quiz spinning wheel.

The event is a family event focused on strengthening the bonds between youth, family, school and community. Increasing these bonds enables youth to get better grades, have higher test scores, and reduce use of alcohol or drugs in times of emotional distress.

“When a youth has a stronger bond with their family, each other, or community they’re more invested in doing well,” Olson said, “Giving back to their community. Participating in events in their school whether it’s sports or clubs or other things. Or in general, just making healthy choices.”

HEALTHY Tekoa relies on community partnerships to provide these family events several times a year. Tekoa teens, civic organizations and Tekoa Chamber members will join the event. As well as the Whitman Hospital and Medical Center for the carnival.

Olson stated that they’re excited to get everybody back out, and get the kids and the families to see each other again, “We’re all looking forward to it,” she said.