WARREN — The sun and warm temperatures made a rare appearance in an otherwise rainy spring for the 4th annual Family Fun Day on Saturday.

For the second year in a row, the Trumbull County Historical Society hosted the event in collaboration with the Warren Trumbull County Public Library’s Summer Challenge Kickoff Party at the main library on Mahoning Avenue NW. The theme for this year’s Summer Challenge is “Color Our World.” It runs through July 26 with prizes awarded at the conclusion.

Information booths that offered giveaways for children and adults on the blocked off street included the Braceville, Niles and Vienna historical societies, the National Packard Museum, Mahoning Valley Scrappers, Trumbull Retired Teachers Association and the Warren Farmers Market.

Sue Datish of the Trumbull Retired Teachers Association had an activity for children to complete before they chose a prize from her organization’s table.

“What grade are you in?” Datish asked AJ Jerina, who was visiting from Lynchburg, Virginia.

When AJ answered, “fourth grade,” Datish looked for a grade-appropriate word for her to spell. She chose a container of Play-Doh as her prize.

Some booths offered giveaway items that had historical significance.

“We are giving away carnation cookies,” said Belinda Weiss, director of the National McKinley Birthplace Museum. “It was President William McKinley’s favorite flower and after his death, it became the official flower of Ohio.”

The event was a family outing.

“We come every year,” said Carol Williams of Howland, who attended with her grandsons, Vinny Rhodes, 7, and Von Rhodes, 4. She said Vinny likes to read and will participate in the Summer Challenge.

Attendees were able to talk to a Warren firefighter or Warren police officer and see firsthand the vehicles they use for their jobs.

Jaxson Haynes, 3, and Caiden Haynes, 11, sat in the driver’s seat of a fire truck after learning about all of the equipment that a fireman uses on the job and where it is stored on the truck from Warren Fire Lt. Zach Walter.

The event is also a way for firefighters and police officers to recruit the next generation of first responders.

“There is a shortage of police and fire recruits around the country,” Walter said.

The Summer Challenge involves a journey of art and creativity and the activities inside the library were related to that.

Though many of the projects were geared toward children and teens, when musician Chris Colley sang “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes,” or “If You’re Happy and You Know it,” parents, grandparents and staff also made the motions to the songs.

Other events in the library included mosaic bookmarkers run by SMARTS Program Manager Sarah Rhodes. SMARTS and the Warren Trumbull County Public Library are community partners.

There was also the opportunity to visit with a therapy bunny, teen gaming opportunities and to participate in a community art piece.

“This is a way to say thanks to the community and to promote the activities offered at the library and to achieve awareness of Trumbull County Historical Society events,” said Ryan McLennan, Trumbull County Historical Society Operation and Outreach Director.

He added that it is also a great way for children to have hands-on experience with the music and art programs and learn about the other organizations that participated in the event.

McLennan hopes that Family Fun Day continues to grow and is an event that the community looks forward to each year.