PLYMOUTH —  On July 19, the Marshall County Historical Museum is celebrating a new version of Kiddies’ Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Children ages 12 and under, are invited to enter a costume contest, join in a parade and spend a few hours at the museum for games, face-painting and other fun activities.

The costume contest will begin at 11 a.m. Children may compete in the category of their choice. Kids may also decorate and enter a favorite wagon, bicycle or tricycle.
Costume prize categories will be:
• Best Animal
• Funniest
• Most Patriotic
• Best Historical Costume
• Best Duo or Group
• Most Creative Use of Materials
• Best TV or Movie Character
• Most Unusual
• Best Use of Imagination
Vehicle prize categories will be:
• Most Patriotic
• Most Creative Use of Materials
• Best Vehicle/Costume Combination
• Most Unusual
Following the contest, there will be a short parade beginning at the Museum and circling around the two blocks bordered by Michigan, Washington, Center and LaPorte Streets.
The parade will coincide with Sidewalk Days and the Rotary Pancake Breakfast, which barricades Garro Street and makes a safe and easy crossing from one block to the next.
The museum is located on the southwest corner of Michigan and Garro Streets in downtown Plymouth.
Linda Rippy, executive director for the museum, hopes this event will be a good way for children to join in the fun of Sidewalk Days.
“We are hoping families will bring their children downtown for our Kiddie’s Day, stop at the Rotary Pancake Days or visit one of the area restaurants for lunch, take advantage of the great shopping and make a day of it,” she said.
In addition to the event on July 19, the museum will host an exhibit on the history of Kiddie’s Day throughout the rest of the summer. Rippy says the museum has unique artifacts related to Kiddies’ Days of the past, but they are looking for more.
“We know there are many adults, who used to participate in Kiddies’ Day when they were children. We would love to include their pictures and memorabilia related to the event in our exhibit.  We want to tell as many stories as we can.”
Kiddies’ Day used to be an annual tradition in many communities throughout the United States. The idea of a “Kiddies’ Day” started right here in Marshall County. The very first Kiddies’ Day in the nation originated in 1915 as the idea of Bruce Joseph, a Plymouth salesman. It then spread to other cities and states. Many people may remember “Kiddies’ Day” in their community — a holiday set aside to honor children.
For more information on the Kiddies’ Day event or to contribute to the exhibit contact the museum by phone at 574-936-2306 or visit them on-line at mchistoricalsociety.org .