Posted: Tuesday, March 27, 2012 10:00 am | Updated: 10:05 am, Tue Mar 27, 2012.

Children's laughter filled the air as they and their parents learned about health and fitness through numerous activities, Monday night.

The first annual College of Health and Human Sciences Family Fitness Fair, located in the North and South Ballrooms of the Union, had around 150 to 200 participants, some even being Purdue students.

Judy Schumaker, director of advancement for the College of Health and Human Sciences, said the fitness fair was heavily promoted in preschool programs, which seemed to work.

"I am not sure why many Purdue students didn't come," she said. "Next year, we are looking at a different focus, which could bring more students in; it is just a possible future direction."

The families had manyopportunities to educate themselves about health and fitness. There were tables set up bordering the ballrooms with poster boards filled with information. The families were able to make their own healthy trail mix with raisins, nuts and whole-wheat cereals, learn how to zumba dance, go through an obstacle course and more.

Leslie Koepl, a junior in the College of Health and Human Sciences, thought the fair was fun to work at because the children were having fun. She said her favorite part was watching and interacting with them.

"I really liked how the little kids and parents got involved," she said. "It is cute to see the children happy."

The fair is part of a string of events sponsored by the new College of Health and Human Sciences under the "Life Inspired" theme. Carol Dehaven, Professor of Physical Education, said the theme represents the focus of the college by showcasing the various departments and research the faculty and students are conducting.

"The whole idea of the 'Life Inspired' theme is to receive and give information of how to make healthy choices in life," she said. "The goal is to teach children that it can be fun to be active."

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College of Health and Human Sciences hosts fitness fair