A event focused on building stronger families drew in a big crowd Saturday as lots of people gathered for the 28th annual Strong Kids Safe Kids festival at the Chemung County fairgrounds. As our Elyse Mickalonis tells us, there was lots to do and lots of smiles at an event that organizers say gets bigger and better every year.

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HORSEHEADS, N.Y. -- Thousands of people gathered in Horseheads Saturday for an event that focuses on family.

“This is my first time being here,” said Matthew Klerks, a Massachusetts resident. “I’m having a lot of fun.”

Volunteers and families filled the Chemung County Fairgrounds for the 28th annual Strong Kids Safe Kids festival. The event focuses on building strong, safe and healthy families by providing people with information about community services and offering fun educational activities.

“The turnout has been fantastic. Ever since the doors opened at ten, we’ve had a non-stop rush of activity coming by,” said Tony Burke, Event Volunteer.

Event volunteer Al Redner added, “Brings out a lot of children from around the county and other counties too that get a chance to see what is available for them within this county.”

Kids say they went to have fun and there were a lot of cool things to do.

“Getting hair like this, all the bounce houses were cool and stuff. I’m still having fun,” said Klerks.

Organizers say there was a little bit of something for everyone and that expanding the grounds this year allowed more people to help out.

"We have more than 100 participating agencies and more than 200 volunteers that help make this event go on and that's not including the folks that are set up with booths. Every year. it gets bigger and better,” said Misty Purdy, Strong Kids Safe Kids Festival and Committee Co-chair.

Doing more for kids.

For more information on Elmira Safe Kids Strong Kids, head to www.elmirasksk.com.