First-Graders Host 'NFL Play 60' Carnival

While some students heading back to school may shrug their shoulders and prepare to hit the snooze button, three incoming first-graders at in Eagan planned a carnival instead.

Mendota Heights resident Ginny Kraus, along with her schoolmates Shayla S., and Lilly H., began planning last December to throw an "NFL Play 60" carnival for their classmates at Ginny's home.

NFL Play 60 is an initiative of the National Football League that encourages kids to have fun being active for at least 60 minutes a day. 

"It’s healthy to run around, and it helps your body get in the mood of getting up in the morning," said Shayla.

The event was free and open to all the students in their first-grade class. Parents could make a free-will donation to the American Heart Association.

The American Heart Association and local businesses donated items for treat bags with things like Frisbees.

The event raised $200, according to Ginny's mother, Paula Kraus.

With the help of parents, the kids got into activities included swimming, freeze tag, blob tag, face-painting, hula hoops, foot races and a lesson on the "Macarena."

"It helps a lot of parts of your body to be active and very, very healthy," said Ginny.

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