GREENFIELD — A small portion of Main Street will be closed on Saturday for Franklin County’s YMCA’s participation in a national initiative to improve the well-being of kids and families.

Healthy Kids Day has been celebrated by YMCAs across the country for more than 30 years, according to the national nonprofit. Jodi Howe, director of development and operations at the local YMCA, said the branch at 451 Main St. has celebrated the event for more than 20 years.

This year’s Healthy Kids Day will be held Saturday, April 29, on Main Street between Hope and High streets, with activities scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will be held rain or shine.

“It’s been in various locations,” Howe said. “Last year was in the parking lot, but we moved to Main Street to make it bigger and better for the community.”

Among the activities scheduled are demonstrations by the University of Massachusetts Amherst women’s soccer team, family pickleball, an inflatable obstacle course, Gaga ball and touch-a-truck with the Greenfield Fire Department. Treasure Room, a free store with clothing, toys and houseware, will also be available to guests.

“We’re excited to have demonstrations by our gymnastics team as well as Bernardston cheer time, StyleFX ... and Strings for Kids,” Howe added.

Courtesy of the Rolling Wave Foundation, 100 bicycles will be given away on Saturday, all of which have already been claimed by local families. The Greenfield Kiwanis Club, Howe said, will be giving out helmets to families taking home bicycles.

Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.

]]>