As tempting as it may be to crack open the extra candy after Halloween, a handful of local organizations are doing their part to encourage a healthier alternative.
Carter County Drug Prevention Coalition, Elizabethton Parks and Recreation, the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library and UT – Extension performed the second annual Homeschool Candy Science Fair Thursday morning much to the delight of attendees. Children throughout the region were able to stop by the Parks & Rec Center and see different science experiments that could be performed on candy.
“It really has picked up momentum compared to last year,” said Jilian Reece, Carter County Drug Prevention Coalition Director.
Nine tables were spread out throughout the complex with different projects on display. Ranging from Pop Rocks mixed with soda pop or just merely counting goodies in a jar, Reece said the endeavor is used as a way to open up the youngsters’ minds and have a better alternative to dealing with leftover candy.
“It is tempting, for anyone, to dig into leftover candy,” she said with a laugh. “Having this event, we’re able to show children some fun activities they can do. It’s a great way to deal with the leftovers and give kids an educational experience.”
Along with organization representatives on site, members of the CCDP/TNSTRONG Youth Board were also in attendance, sharing the contrary causes that come with sticky candy and utilizing it with their message of preventative measures for unhealthy items.
Reece added the candy science program is part of a new initiative put in place by the different organizations to have a homeschool event each month.
And the attraction has been well-received by residents from across the region with Thursday’s bringing in several from in and out of Carter County.
“It continues to amaze me that the community has these types of events available to the public,” Reece said. “We’ve been so blessed to see the outpouring of support and have such great turnouts from each of these events. Each event, we’ve been able to bring in people from Johnson City and Jonesborough. We hope to see the events grow and keep being an area for children to come in.”
Updates on different events will be featured in future installments of the Elizabethton Star and can also be tracked by searching the organization’s social media accounts and websites.