Fun event encourages early savings

The annual Bear Paw Credit Union for Kids Day was a chance for kids and their guardians to have fun Wednesday afternoon at Pepin Park as the event sought to teach and encourage kids to begin saving early.

"Every year, we pick a month - usually the month of August - we really like to promote kid's savings and CDs and different things like that. We do a fun day with events in the park and have volunteers and donations from numerous businesses all over town," event co-chair Caitlin Teske said.

The event has been going on for decades, Teske, and fellow co-chair Laura Eller, said - for as long as they both remember.

Teske said past events have usually been followed by an influx in Bear Paw Credit Union member signups.

"A lot of people like it even though it's originally $5 to open an account, but they like to open an account for free and start saving up for their kids."

In addition to first responders from the Havre Fire Department, the Hill County Sheriff's Office, volunteers from Triangle Communications, Bullhook Community Health Center and the Boys & Girls Club of the Hi-Line also contributed to the activity-packed day.

A speaker system was playing music and Credit Union volunteers had set up in the gazebo, from where they served hot dogs, chips and soda.

One of the more popular attractions throughout the day was the face-painting station, with a long line throughout the event, Teske said.

Among those in line was Francis Coronado, who was accompanying 5-year-old Kaiden. This was their first year to the event, Coronado said.

"It's something to do, get out of the house, fun for him," she said.

Coronado said she heard about the event through Facebook, adding she also banks at Bear Paw Credit Union. Kaiden already has a saving account, she said. The money will go toward gel pens, coloring supplies and Paw Patrol items.