Mix nearly 400 third graders with about the same number of red balloons and you get a great afternoon that most of the youngsters will probably remember the rest of their lives.
Also known as the annual Paint the Town Red balloon launch, it was held Friday in Carnie Smith Stadium, Pittsburg State University.
In the past the event was limited to Pittsburg third graders, but this year it was opened up to every third grade student in Crawford County. Youngsters attended from Lakeside, George Nettels, Westside, Meadowlark and St. Mary’s Colgan Elementary Schools in Pittsburg, as well as those from Frontenac, Cherokee, McCune and Weir.
Also new this year was an autograph session with PSU student athletes and cheerleaders.
“The kids are having a blast,” said Blake Benson, Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce president.
Paint the Town Red festivities, including a decorating contest and community pep rally, were coordinated through the Chamber and the PSU Office of Alumni and Constituent Relations.
Paul Hanney, Westside teacher, said that his students were excited.
“They asked why we’re standing in line, and we told them it was to get autographs from the athletes,” he said.
“Then somebody asked what an athlete was. When they found out, they got excited.”
After the autograph session, Benson led the kids in a game of “Simon Says” before introducing Dr. Mildred Edwards, representing the Kansas Board of Regents, and PSU President Steve Scott, who led the countdown for the balloon launch.
The afternoon got high ratings from the young participants.
“I liked the letting go of the balloons,” said Jakob Tavernaro, Weir student.
“My favorite was ‘Simon Says’ and getting autographs,” said Alison Gardner, also of Weir.
“I liked the balloon launch and I saw a lot of people, football people and track people and basketball people,” said Carmen Kent, 8, George Nettels student.
She also asked to touch the top of Kiara Jones’ head, PSU track squad member, and he obligingly bent down so she could.
Jones said he didn’t mind spending a Friday afternoon signing autographs and meeting the youngsters.
“Things like this are fun,” said Jones, a Pittsburg High School graduate who has garnered All-America honors in the triple jump and pole vault at PSU. “I love little kids because they get so excited and have so much enthusiasm.”
