Engineering and Legos provide family fun

The Marysville Opera House was full of Legos and engineering challenges as the city's popular Engineering Extravaganza event was held on Feb. 23.

This is the third year for the local event for kids and families to come downtown to play with Legos.

"It is a great day and we have families out that are doing 'Battle Tracks' challenges and doing engineering challenges. They're building the city and having fun free building," said Andrea Kingsford, recreation coordinator with the Marysville Parks, Culture and Recreation Department.

Families said they enjoyed taking their children down to the event.

"This is the first time we've gone. They had it last year and we were interested in going," said local parent Isabeau Kisler.

She said her kids were having a good time at the event.

"We have tons of Legos at home but going someplace else to play with Legos, it's different," she said.

Local parent Rebecca Barker was also at the event for the first time, although her son had gone last year.

"He loves Legos and it's very cool," she said. "He loved it and was excited to come back."

Kingsford said the event is meant to provide a great family day out for locals.

"I love this event because I love to see the parents building with the kids, just having fun together," said Kingsford. "The kids love the volume of Legos, there's just so many to have fun with."

This year a new company was brought in to provide the Legos, Play Well TEKnologies. The business provided thousands of Legos in addition to activities and challenges.

"The challenges and the battle tracks really bring in some new elements," said Kingsford.

At one activity kids constructed buildings and houses to be put on a giant map of the Puget Sound.

"They love seeing what they built go on to become part of the city," said Kingsford.

At another challenge kids had to design Lego cars to go down a track and see how far they could go on the track.

"They love racing their cars down the track," said Kingsford.

Kingsford said city officials enjoy providing events for families like this one.

"It's just really great to have events like this to come to the Marysville area. It gives youth an opportunity to be creative and learn new things," she said

She also appreciated children and parents for visiting the event.

"I thank the families for coming, because it's their support that helps keep these events going," she said.

"I also want to thank John L. Scott Real Estate because they support this event as well as many others in the city," she said.