Hundreds of kids and adults will join in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County's celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 20 at Zao Island, 1050 Horse Prairie Ave. Day for Kids will be held rain or shine.

The first 450 people can purchase a discounted family fun activity ticket for $3 per person compliments of the Tobacco Education and Prevention Coalition for Porter County. (After 450, tickets are $6.50).

Each ticket is good for one round of mini-golf, 20 arcade/ batting cage tokens, and their choice of one additional attraction which includes go-karts, bumper cars or the giant slide.

Due to the support of the Tobacco Education and Prevention Coalition for Porter County, Boys & Girls Clubs Day for Kids will be a tobacco and smoke free event.

Club members and non-members, and their families are welcome to attend. Tickets are now on-sale at each of the clubs:

Duneland n 135 Lincoln Ave., Chesterton, (219) 926-9770

Portage n 5895 Evergreen Ave. Portage, (219) 762-4613

South Haven n 723 Long Run Road, Valparaiso, (219) 759-2565

Valparaiso n 354 Jefferson Street, Valparaiso, (219) 462-2182

or by calling the Administrative Office at (219) 464-7282, ext. 235.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America is spearheading a national effort to establish Boys & Girls Clubs Day for Kids as an "official day" to celebrate kids. Unlike most, the U.S. is one of the few nations that does not have an official day set aside to honor its young people. This year it is estimated millions of parents and kids will participate in more than 2,000 Day for Kids events held by Boys & Girls Clubs and other organizations nationwide.

For more information about the programs and services offered at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County, contact the nearest club or go to www.bgcpoco.org.

--For The Times