By Jenelle Bickel

The events of Family Day have brought a much different crowd into the site. Children of all ages and their families are exploring the build and interacting with the variety of entertainers and sponsors that are here today.

Jessica Chapman and her daughter, Hayleigh, are enjoying Family Day. Poster board and markers have been provided for making signs that will be held in the spectator area.

Chapman is not only a spectator, but she is also scheduled to work a volunteer shift at midnight. The Chapman family is very involved with volunteer work, including Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), and believes this is a great experience for this community.

“With all the job loss that has been happening, this has helped the community greatly,” Chapman said. “This project also brings us together as a community.”

“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” welcomes the Peru Circus Junior Clowns. Calieb Mathis, a junior clown, interacts with the crowd by handing out balloons.

“I use to be in different acts in the circus, but I didn’t really like them, so I became a clown,” Mathis said.

Mathis used to be involved with the Rolla Bolla act in the circus, which is balancing on a tube, but liked being a clown more. Mathis was on his way to a replace a little boy’s balloon that had flown away.

“[Dressing like a clown] is just a great time and it’s fun,” Mathis said.

James Linderman, owner of CiCi’s Pizza in Kokomo, will be giving back to the Cowan-Brown family.

“We were approached by [Extreme Makeover] to provide food for the production crew and decided we could do more,” Linderman said.

They are selling pizza slices for $2. The proceeds that they earn will be going to the family.

“It’s great to see people come together and see the community giving its support.”