Kernels hold 9th annual family day at the ballpark

The Cedar Rapids Kernels are giving area families the opportunity to take part in a day of affordable fun and excitement at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

The 9th-annual "Family Day at the Ballpark" will be held on August 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost to attend the event is $4 per person if pre-registered, or $5 at the door. Children 3-years-old and younger are admitted free. Admission also includes a hotdog, chips and drink for lunch.

Family Day provides activities for the whole family to enjoy, including balloon art, face painting, bag toss, wiffle ball, the inflatable Fun Zone, and playing catch on Perfect Game Field. Mr. Shucks and the Kernels players will also be on hand for photos and autographs. In addition, Mr. Shucks and his friends will are inviting kids to participate in the mascot soccer game on the field from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to bid on various silent auction items and purchase raffle tickets for the chance to win a night in a Diamond Suite at a Kernels game. Among the silent auction items are an autographed Kurt Warner football, a one-night stay at the Grand Harbor Resort and waterpark, tickets to the Blank Park and Kansas City Zoos, and a 20-person bowling party at Diamond Jo Casino.

Proceeds from the Family Day event directly benefit The Kernels Foundation. The Kernels Foundation's vision is to ensure that all youth in Eastern Iowa have the opportunity to experience the thrills and life lessons that come from engaging in sports and recreational endeavors.

Families wishing to pre-register can do so by picking up a Family Day flier at the Bimm Ridder Diamond Shop at Veterans Memorial Stadium.