AUBURN - Fun was only half the story at Sunday's Family Fun Day at Cayuga Community College. It also let people of all ages view and participate in sports and games while learning lessons about safety and nutrition.

There was an abundance of entertainment, including twin magicians, Paul and David Jackman from Syracuse, who made balloon animals. A long line of customers waited anxiously to give the balloon artists their request.

The Tricycle Roadway, an area about half the size of a tennis court, was quickly filled with young, helmeted, cyclists steering their way through a maze of other tricycles. The course tried to be fun, while teaching future motorists good driving skills.

The Owasco School Ball Handlers were on hand to demonstrate their skill and dexterity. Sue Riordon, whose daughter, Juliana, is one of the participants, said this teaches discipline and coordination.

John Francher came in from the Cortland-Homer area with his grandchildren, who he "hopes will grow with this experience."

Teena Johnson-Rice, who came with her daughter Leann Johnson, was excited.

"My daughter has been coming to this event every year since it started, and I'm pleased to bring her." Johnson-Rice said. "I want the community to know what a great event this is, where kids can have safe fun."

Local agencies, including the Gavras Center, The Seymour Library,The Montessori School of the Finger Lakes, and The Guiding Light for the Blind, set up booths to promote safe, helpful education for children and their parents.

Anne McCarthy, of the Cayuga Cayuga Community Health Network, set up a booth to represent the Cayuga County Tobacco Free Coalition.

"Kids have come up and told me that they want to their parents to quit smoking." McCarthy said.

She is trying get as many people and possible to sign a pledge that they will not smoke in the home or in the car.

Ann Robson, of the Cayuga County Women Infant Children Program, was promoting good nutrition.

Robson hopes to help children by continuous support and education, and parents by showing them ways to purchase "safer" foods while extending their grocery budget.

Lisa John, of The Child Care Council of The Finger Lakes was on hand to promote good health care education for daycare providers, establishing healthy habits for children so that they may thrive and prosper as adults.

Barbara Trutschel, director of the Cayuga County Home Day Care Association provided a "make and take," in which children planted a bean in a container to take home and grow, as an inspiration to healthy eating.

As promised "Clifford The Big Red Dog" was available throughout the day to entertain.