“We wanted to be a healthy, wholesome place for the kids, to get them off the screen for a while, and be outside.” Faith-based story hour held at Wonderland Park

For families who wanted to spend what seems to be a rare day of sunshine this summer, away from the crowds at Colony Days or the athletes and spectators at the “Why Not Tri” Triathlon at Wasilla High School, or the Drag King/Queens story hour, also in Wasilla, there was an alternative at Wonderland Park full of family-friendly events this past weekend.

Hosted by GoodTube Kids, a website and YouTube Channel that offers a safe place in which to access a wide range of shows, books, movies and other materials rooted in Judeo-Christian values, the afternoon event at the park also had story times scattered throughout the afternoon.

In addition to the story times were fitness breaks, giveaways, and a bounce obstacle course. There were also outdoor games like Cornhole, Yard-Zee, and Giant Jenga, and treats such as cotton candy and popcorn, all part of a safe alternative for families to spend the afternoon.

“We want to be a healthy, wholesome place for the kids, to get them off the screen for a while, and be outside,” Chris Gonzales, who coordinated the event, said.

“We’re trying to offer another option to parents, a resource for their youth, particularly those ages 8 to 18 can find good, entertaining, educational content and they don’t have to worry about what they might see,” said Gonzales, a former police officer and member of the FBI, started GoodTube Kids earlier this year as a faith-based alternative option for families.

“We are a safe place for kids and a resource for parents,” says Gonzales, “We want to be something where parents don’t feel like they’re trying to steal their kids’ time away, or their time away,” he further explains.

The mission of GoodTube Kids is to reinforce values such as perseverance, compassion, and stewardship, while teaching life skills and meet with other families and kids.

“It’s a beautiful day out, and we heard about this event, so we decided to come on out,” said Danielle Campos, who brought her daughter to the event. “Its great way to spend some time out in the sunshine.”

“I think it’s important to support people in our community who are doing good things for families,” Campos added. “It is about fun for families.”

Also this weekend at the park was ‘Music at the Park.’ Vendors, food trucks, and of course, musicians provided more entertainment and fun. The event is held every Saturday in June, as well as July 4.

This year also marks the first Music in the Park Talent Show. The talent show, coming June 24, is open to performers of all ages who want to take their talent to the stage at Wonderland Park. Sign up is free.

For more information, or to sign up for the talent show, click here: Music in the Park Talent Show

For more information about GoodTube Kids, please visit www.goodtubekids.com