Columbia Park will be transformed into a children’s health fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today.
The fifth annual NAKLand, hosted by the California State University, Stanislaus chapter of the Nu Alpha Kappa fraternity, promises to bring bounce houses, prizes, food, and fun to the park at no cost. It’s a boon for impoverished youth living nearby, according to Nu Alpha Kappa member German Lopez.
“We target the low-income side of the city,” Lopez said. “We have a little kids’ fair for children who are less fortunate in a way.”
Giveaways range from scooters to skateboards and bikes. Hot dogs, chips, and snow cones will be available. And free haircuts will be on offer too.
Local community service providers, like AspiraNET, the Family Resource Center, and TeleCare will be on hand to offer help. Al the Almond and Wally the Walnut – the Modesto Nuts Mascots – will provide a few laughs.
NAKLand will also include an Easter egg hunt, sponsored by the CSU Stanislaus chapter of the Phi Sigma Sigma sorority. The sorority had intended to hold the egg hunt on March 24, but cancelled the event due to threat of rain.
And for the first time ever, two live bands will play at NAKLand this year. The event promises to be bigger than ever, Lopez said.
“Compared to last year, we have more organizations coming out,” Lopez said. “It grows more each year.”