Big Toy Day

Kiwanis Club of Southport-Oak Island’s huge fall event is back and bigger than ever.

Big Toy Day, one of this area’s biggest fall events for kids of all ages, will return on October 22 after a two-year hiatus due to COVID. Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Southport-Oak Island, Big Toy Day is an opportunity for children to get firsthand, up-close looks at a variety of motorized vehicles, including planes, helicopters, fire trucks and 18-wheelers. A water rescue boat, an ambulance, a UPS truck and a race car are also among the toys scheduled to be on-hand. Children will have the opportunity to climb aboard the vehicles and learn more about each from the people who operate them.

The highlight for children ages 8 to 17 will be airplane rides available between 10:30 am and 1 pm. Dubbed Young Eagle Flights, they will be offered by the aviation group EAA Chapter 939. There will be no additional cost for these first-come, first-served flights, but a parent or legal guardian must be present to authorize participation. In most cases, grandparents do not qualify as legal guardians.

“Big Toy Day is designed to stimulate the minds of young boys and girls by allowing them to see, touch and experience ‘big machines’ that they would not normally have the opportunity to encounter up close,” says Kiwanian Peter Berg, who chairs the event. “It should be an enjoyable and memorable day for children and adults of all ages, and a terrific opportunity for a fun family outing.”

Bounce houses and food vendors will be on site, and additional children’s activities will be available. There will also be a drawing for a bicycle.

Contributions received from this event will support a variety of youth programs in Brunswick County, including Key Club, Teen and Peer courts and Royal Readers. Proceeds will also fund scholarships for deserving Brunswick County high school seniors and BCC students.

Kiwanis Club of Southport-Oak Island is dedicated to serving the children of Brunswick County through service, education, guidance and leadership. The club supports numerous programs in the county’s elementary, middle and high schools designed to instill a life-long commitment to service and to develop the skills necessary to become community leaders. The organization also supports projects like Matthew’s Ministry, the Tim Tebow Foundation’s Night to Shine initiative, First Tee and local food pantries through a Giving Garden.

“We believe in children and want to provide all kids with an opportunity to thrive, prosper and grow,” says George Bayless, president of Southport-Oak Island Kiwanis. “We’re a global organization, but we’re dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.”

Want to go?
Kiwanis Big Toy Day
Saturday, October 22, 10 am to 3 pm
Cape Fear Regional Jetport,
Admission and parking are free. However, a $10 per car donation would be welcomed.
SOIKiwanis.org