The Warren County YMCA chapter capped its first Healthy Kids Festival with a colorful 1.2 mile run.

The color run — in which children run around throwing colored cornstarch powder in the air, was the main event at the festival meant to encourage healthy habits in children.

Monday, YMCA Director Casey Custer met with Gov. Phil Bryant, who signed a proclamation declaring Saturday as YMCA Healthy Kids day.

Jack Oliver, a program specialist with the YMCA, said he was pleased with the turnout of nearly 100 children.

“We had 60 registered participants, but we had quite a few kids that just showed up,” he said. “We got them registered and ready to go.”

With this being their first festival, Oliver said he was nervous to see how it would turn out.

“That was our goal, to get some kids out for just a fun day,” he said. “We’re very happy.”

Though the color run was the most visible of the festival’s offerings, face-painting, three-legged races, flag football, sack races and kickball games kept participants busy for the afternoon.

A tent with reptiles and a Vicksburg Fire Department truck drew ooh’s and ahh’s from the children before the color run.

The color run was the final portion of a two-month project.

For two months, children age 6 to 14-years old, have been running or walking to complete the 26.2 miles required for a marathon that was completed Saturday.

“This is our first one, but we’re pretty excited about it,” he said. “We’ll have an annual healthy kids day. Hopefully we’ll be able to do another run.”

Though the festival is over, Oliver expects a busy summer.

“Well summer camp at Warner Tully is going to be rocking,” he said. “We will also have our summer program and Mille Wolfe is going to be running our lessons.”

For more information about the Healthy Kid’s Day or the Y’s summer programming, call 601-638-1071.