500-plus bags of popcorn bring smiles at Shelby SummerFest

SHELBY -- More than 500 bags of free popcorn led to plenty of smiles this past weekend at the annual Shelby SummerFest.

Richland County Children Services employees staffed a tent at the annual event on both Friday and Saturday, handing out plenty of popcorn to appreciative children and families who flocked to the annual downtown event. (Click here to see photo gallery.)

"Participation in these kinds of public events gives our agency and our staff the opportunity to interact with residents all around the county," said Carl Hunnell, communications supervisor for Children Services.

"We serve the people in Shelby in our daily work and residents there have always supported our agency. This is one little way we can give back," Hunnell said.

"To see a smile on a child's face as he or she gets a free bag of popcorn to munch on while walking around with mom and dad .... that's what makes it all worthwhile," he said.

"Our employees enjoy spending time talking to residents in a relaxed, positive setting. Often, we see children and families when things are not going so well inside a home. It's great to see people laughing and smiling and having fun during things like the Shelby SummerFest," Hunnell said.

RCCS also handed out five boxes of shiny blue pinwheels to children, who could be seen walking with them as the pinwheels spun around in the breeze.

"The kids love the pinwheels, maybe even more than they do the popcorn," Hunnell said.

Next up for the agency in terms of public participation is the 2010 Richland County Fair and the Blueberry Festival in Lexington. Both are August events.