Hundreds of students, teachers, parents and other community members got active during the fifth annual “Walk to School Day” on Oct. 21. Pre-walk activities began at 7 a.m. and featured physical activity stations that guided attendees through warm-up exercises, healthcare professionals who provided valuable health and nutrition information and nutritious and energizing snacks to get everyone ready for the walk.

The walkers stepped-off at 7:45 a.m. and were joined by the Mariposa Grizzlies cheer squad and marching band.

The annual event raised awareness about the importance of getting regular physical activity for children to stay strong and healthy, having fun and spending quality family time together to promote good health, and creating and maintaining safe places for children to walk and bike within their neighborhoods, especially to and from school.

The annual event is organized by the Dairy Council of California, the Network for a Health California, Central Valley Region Children’s Power Play campaign, and the Central Valley Health Network with the participation of long-time supporters Pioneer Market, the California Highway Patrol and Mariposa County Unified School District.

Every October, millions of children, parents, teachers and community leaders around the world celebrate Walk to School to encourage safer and improved streets, healthier habits, and cleaner air. For more information about Mariposa Walk to School Day or to participate next year, call Melissa Murphy at (559) 255- 4300 or e-mail her at MMurphy@cvhnclincs.org.