Youth appreciation day proclaimed

For the Messenger Index

It’s the biggest weekend of the year for youth in the Gem Community. The 35th annual Rotary Youth Auction is set for Friday, April 27 at the Emmett Livestock Salesyard, beginning at 6 p.m. On the heels of that event comes the third annual Youth Appreciation Day/Dia de los Ninos (YAD) at the Gem Island Sports Complex in Emmett.

As is the youth auction, family-oriented YAD is hosted by the Emmett Rotary Club. According to Norma Diaz of the Rotary Club, last year’s attendance came close to 2,000. Hopes for this year are 3,000. Every activity is free with the exception of very modestly priced concessions.

The masters of ceremonies are Roseanne Daily from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Derrick Hicks from 1 to 4 p.m. Most performances will be at the Island’s amphitheater.

Opening ceremonies will start at 11 a.m. with short speeches by Mayor Marilyn Lorenzen, the Gem County Commissioners and Sen. Brad Little. A memorial in honor of former Rotarian Ed Mansfield will then be unveiled near the shore of Ed’s Pond.

There will be activities throughout the day for youth of all ages. Seven local bands will play a variety of music. Booths include Rotary fast pitch, Black Canyon Bowmen, face painting, Dia de los Ninos, Loteria, Pintar Caras, US Bank bouncy bins, laser shoot, HeadStart games, golf clinic and much more. Concession booths will be available.

The National Guard will have a large display, including a helicopter, rock-climbing wall and obstacle course.

Race cars from Emmett High School and Firebird Raceway will be on display as well as a Life Flight helicopter and fire trucks from the Gem County Fire Department. The crime prevention drug dog will also be on hand.

Spanish-speaking individuals will be available at the information booth. Families will be able to get information on the events and their location at the entry banner.

Saturday’s schedule of events: 10 a.m., promotion of Kevin Sharp concert; 10:30 a.m., Black Canyon Pipe Band; 11 a.m., opening ceremonies, featuring the Emmett High School choir with the National Anthem; 11:15 a.m., David Alvarez, soloist; 11:30 a.m., Gem Cloggers; noon, Eli Armstrong, bagpipe soloist, and The Clutch (local band); 12:45 p.m., New Life drama skits; 1:30 p.m., Hawaiian At Heart Dancers; 2 p.m., Jason Chacon (on guitar and keyboard); 2:30 p.m., Diamond Cheerleaders; 2:45 p.m., Emmett Community Playhouse; 3 p.m., New Life drama skits; 4 p.m., closing ceremony.

Joe Sova contributed to this article.