Americorps’ motto is, “It’s a day on, not a day off.” Martin Luther King Jr. day is a nationwide service day for the organization. Volunteers commit to some type of service across America.

“It is to expose people to history and ideas not otherwise exposed in Lake County,” explained program director Shannon Smith.

Parents and children gathered to celebrate what Dr. King dreamed of decades ago. Tables and booths filled the Margaret Alakszaky Center at Terrace Middle School. Activities included coloring and poetry contests, bean bag toss, face painting and a paper quilt.

A video of Dr. King’s famous “I have a Dream” speech was played throughout the event. Prizes were handed out for scavenger hunts, three-legged races, contests and raffles. Sponsors included Catfish Books, Judy’s Junction, Washington Mutual, Safeway, Sentry, Willow Tree Dental, Sears, The Locker Room and Radio Shack.

A release of balloons ended the fair, to encourage participants to remember what has happened in American history and celebrate how far we have come. It also serves as a reminder to put prejudice aside.

When asked if anything was learned at the fair, Tyler, age 11, stated, “I didn’t know they separated people on buses and that makes me sad.”

Jesse, age 12, said, “I learned that diversity means difference.”

At the fair's close, an Americorps volunteer noted, “If children can learn something, then we’ve done our job.”

E-mail Emily Silva at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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