Bellville’s free Family Field Day set to return Oct. 18

BELLVILLE — Grab a bow, bait a hook and save room for s’mores. Bellville’s Family Field Day is bringing an afternoon of free outdoor fun for families.

It’s a great reminder of what makes Bellville such a special community.

bellville mayor teri brenkus

The event will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. at Charles Palm Park, 4777 Bellville N. Rd. on Oct. 18.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources will provide an archery trailer, fishing and a BB-gun range for families to enjoy. The event also will feature a fire pit and s’mores, along with donuts and cider while supplies last.

“We feel so blessed to be provided these resources by ODNR for our community to enjoy,” Bellville Mayor Teri Brenkus said.

Family Field Day creates a day outdoors

Brenkus said her favorite part of the annual event is watching families spend time together outdoors in their community.

“It’s especially rewarding to see children having fun, learning about the outdoors and experiencing activities that they may not get to do every day,” Brenkus said.

She said ODNR does a great job providing hands-on activities and opportunities for children and families to learn about Ohio’s great outdoors.

“We believe that families shouldn’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy a great day together,” Brenkus said.

Free community events give everyone an opportunity to participate, meet their neighbors and enjoy the village, she said. Events like Family Field Day also help build a stronger sense of community and give families another reason to get outside and enjoy everything Richland County has to offer.

Creating memories that last

Brenkus hopes families leave the event with some great core memories and perhaps learn something new along the way.

“Most importantly, I hope families have fun together and discover an appreciation for nature and the outdoors,” she said.

If a child leaves the event excited about something they saw, learned or experienced, Brenkus said the day will have accomplished something very special.

Some families in the past, she said, have never shot a BB gun, shot a bow-and-arrow or learned how to fish.

“My most fond memory is showing a family how to make s’mores that had never roasted a marshmallow,” Brenkus said.

The event will not have a rain date because of a tight schedule for the ODNR trailer, Brenkus said.

“I encourage everyone to come out Sunday, Oct. 18, and see what we have to offer,” Brenkus said. “It’s a great reminder of what makes Bellville such a special community.”