BIDDEFORD — Sunshine and blue skies set the tone Saturday for Healthy Kids Day, a national YMCA initiative to improve the health and well-being of children.

Children attending the event were treated to a host of activities. They could help paint a mural, climb a rock wall, take part in a yoga class or take a look at a fire truck or police car.

YMCA preschool lead teacher Angela Brownell was encouraging kids to play with scented homemade modeling clay, and invited them to take home a bag with a recipe to make more.

“It’s just so great to see the community come together,” said Brownell. “You get kids from all over… Biddeford, Saco, Old Orchard Beach – and the kids have so much fun.”

A number of organizations partnered with the YMCA to promote healthy living. Southern Maine Health Care nurse Peggy Belanger taught children about the importance of sunscreen and the practice of “slip, slop, slap” – slip on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen and slap on a hat.

Nancy Beaulieu, a community education assistant with York County Extension, offered participants fruit kabobs, while Rachel Ryan, a volunteer promoting the 50210 nutrition initiative, demonstrated the amount of sugar in popular drinks.

Four-year-old Madelyn Byrd lifted a ball of lemon-scented clay to her face. “I love the smell,” she said.

Her mother, Heather Byrd, said they go to the event every year.

“The bounce house is always a hit,” she said.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].