The Greater Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce and the Baldwinsville Kiwanis are bringing a boatload of activities to Mercer Park this Saturday for families to enjoy.

“Families help to shape our community and this is our way of bringing them together,” said chamber member Steve Ladd, who spearheaded the organization of this year’s event.

Traditionally held in mid June, the long-standing Kids Fishing Derby was pushed up to June 2 to avoid overgrowth in the river, which obstructs the children’s fishing efforts. In addition, the Blessing of the Fleet, which is usually tied to the fishing derby, will be postponed until Oktoberfest held this September.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the support offered by the Kiwanis. Thanks to a generous $1,000 donation from the organization, a complimentary lunch will be served to all those families that participate in the fishing derby and free fishing poles will be distributed to the first 50 children to register (ages 4 to 12).

“The Baldwinsville Kiwanis consistently offer support to us and we could not be more grateful,” Ladd said.

Held from 9 to 10:30 a.m., derby participants will compete for awards and prizes in various categories. After the derby, a Blessing of the Pets event will be held from 11 a.m. to noon (all pets are welcome).

“Bring your pets down and Pastor Joe from St. Mark’s Church will bless them,” Ladd said.

A pet parade, complete with awards and prizes for the animals, will follow the blessing as well as timeless kids’ activities including an egg and spoon race, water balloon toss and obstacle course.

“[Family Fun Day] is a great way to inexpensively have a good time with the kids,” Ladd said. “We have put a ton of emphasis on kid’s activities, and who doesn’t enjoy seeing their children smile and have a good time?”

Ladd recommends registering for the fishing derby ahead of time by calling the chamber at 638-0550. For more information, visit b-ville.com.

Family Fun Day in Mercer Park

Saturday, June 2

9 to 10:30 a.m. Kids Fishing Derby

11 a.m. to noon Blessing of the Pets

1 to 2 p.m. Kids Activities