An Evening Worth Staying Up For

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The Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro Premier's first fellowship of the year became a celebration of family, friendship, and the simple joy of spending an evening together at Kiddie Korner.

At six o'clock on a Saturday evening, nine Rotary families walked through the gates of Kiddie Korner in Tagoloan. Three hours later, they were standing shoulder to shoulder beneath a sky bursting with fireworks, wondering where the evening had gone.

The Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro Premier chose the family-friendly amusement park for its first fellowship of the 2026-2027 Rotary year, giving members, spouses, and children an opportunity to spend time together away from project planning, committee reports, and weekly meetings. Organised by newly inducted Rotarian Jaynah Boado, whose family owns the park, the gathering also introduced many members to one of Northern Mindanao's newest family attractions.

Operated by the same group behind the well-loved Glorious Fantasyland in Dapitan City, Kiddie Korner has quickly become a popular destination for families in the region. Just a short drive from Cagayan de Oro, the park combines classic carnival rides with live entertainment, colourful character appearances, lively parades, and a nightly fireworks display, making it an ideal setting for families of all ages.

The evening began aboard Wonder Flight, where colourful hot air balloons gently lifted families above the lights of the park. From there, the group made its way to the Carousel, where parents climbed aboard beside their little ones instead of watching from the sidelines. Smiles and enthusiastic waves followed each turn as children delighted in sharing the ride with their mums and dads.

A leisurely ride on the Mini Train offered a chance to slow down before the adults found themselves drawn to the Nessi Coaster. While many of the younger children were still too small to ride, that didn't stop the grown-ups from making multiple trips around the track. Their laughter was every bit as loud as the screams coming from the coaster itself, proving that the thrill of a roller coaster doesn't fade with age.

As twilight settled over the park, Kiddie Korner came alive with roaming entertainers, lively parades, and familiar storybook characters who stopped to greet guests. One of the evening's most memorable moments came when several of the Rotary children wandered into the parade route and happily danced alongside the clowns, drawing smiles not only from their own families but from other park guests who paused to watch.

Between rides, everyone gathered over simple amusement park favourites. Popcorn, ice cream, and soft drinks kept little hands busy while conversations continued long after the rides had ended. Parents naturally took turns watching one another's children, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the attractions. It was a small gesture, but one that reflected the friendships built through years of serving together.

The evening concluded with Kiddie Korner's 9:00 p.m. fireworks display. As colourful bursts illuminated the night sky, children watched in awe while parents lingered beside them, taking in the final moments of a day well spent.

As families made their way home after the fireworks, sleepy children clutched half-finished bags of popcorn while parents gathered strollers and rounded everyone up for the drive home. They may remember the rides years from now. Their parents will remember the laughter, the shared moments, and the fireworks that closed an evening well worth staying up for.#

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