ANDERSON — About 600 children and adults attended Kids Day America on Saturday, an event meant to bring awareness to children’s safety, health and environmental concerns.

The event was held at New Horizons United Methodist Church, 611 E. 53rd St.

“I’ve seen a lot of different people from other communities here,” said Kendra Schlabach, 38, Anderson. “That was really great.”

Schlabach had her three sons in tow: Daniel, 2, Jonathan, 5, and David, 8. Each boy clutched a goodie bag filled with freebies. Schlabach said the family came to see her niece, 9-year-old Shaina Grbic of Pendleton, the daughter of Jade and Osman Grbic, sing in the Anderson Area Children’s Choir.

“I was really impressed with the choir,” Schlabach said. “They really sounded professional and beautiful.”

The event included a silent auction, raffles of free prizes for children, a clown and a magician. Proceeds will go to the Exchange Club’s Child Abuse and Family Resource Center. Anderson Mayor Kris Ockomon spoke during the event’s kickoff.

The Anderson Police Department distributed DNA and identification kits to parents, and tours were available of a limousine and an Anderson Fire Department fire truck. The longest lines were for face painting and the vehicle tours.

“We had a very successful event,” said Anderson chiropractor Gary Young, who organized Kids Day America locally.

Young said Kids Day America, which is promoted nationally amongst chiropractors, is in its 14th year in various communities internationally. But Saturday’s event in Anderson was a first, something Young said he was considering making an annual event.

“We’re discussing that, but we’re hoping to,” said Young, whose office is at 3728 Main St., Anderson. “It’s a lot of work. This year I decided to give it a try.”

Eddie Spencer, a member of New Horizons, brought his son, Nathan, 7, and daughter, Camille, 5, to the Kids Day events.

“I like what the church is trying to do, that it includes everybody,” said Spencer, 37, Pendleton, as his son played with a ball and small, plastic tennis racket.

“I like this most, playing badminton!” Nathan said.

April Smith, Anderson, brought her two daughters, Halie, 6, and Gabby, 5, to the event, mostly to see a demonstration by Jungle Jim Gymnastics. The girls were loaded down with freebies.

“We got coloring books and stickers and pens,” said Smith, 28. “We came out here mainly for the gymnastics.”