ABOVE: Brothers Asher and Everson Oberdieck play with the multi-colored confetti as their mother Ashlee Oberdieck, and Robin Wiebe watch. The four were attendants at Project 1590’s Kid’s Just Want to Have Fun ‘Not All Superheroes Wear Capes’ mother-son event that took place on Saturday at Bethel Evangelical Free Church in Fairmont.

FAIRMONT — Project 1590, a self-proclaimed ‘catalyst of change’, is a Fairmont native-led group that aspires to inflict positivity on the community and the people within it. One of many projects the group oversees is ‘Kids Just Want to Have Fun’, consisting of banded community members who have aimed to provide Fairmont youth and their families with entertainment.

Laura Olsen, a Fairmont resident and mother of four, is the chairwoman of the Kids Just Want to Have Fun group. For almost a decade Olsen has collaborated with fellow members to provide local children and their caregivers with enriching and entertaining experiences around town.

“[Kids Just Want to Have Fun] was created to provide fun activities and events for the Fairmont community and surrounding areas,” Olsen stated. “In doing so, we aim to help strengthen families and friendships while providing positive experiences to learn and play together. Our focus is on creating fun activities and opportunities for youth and their families. We have seen various generations enjoy our projects and events together over the years.”

Olsen explained her motivation blossomed from her yearning to deeply involve herself and her family in the community, including activities and organizations. Olsen, who is notably tethered with community projects, made waves for families with the generous amount of events the committee hosts.

“I wanted to find a way to be involved with the community and meet people,” she said. “I first attended meetings regarding the top 25 most desired items and projects voted on by the community, and was then asked to form a group with a more immediate focus on children and families,” she said.

Recently, the group hosted a ‘Not All Superheroes Wear Capes’ event, held on Saturday, Nov. 16. The event encouraged mothers with young sons to attend and inspired mother-son bonding with several toys, exercises and activities. Entertainment included bounce castles, confetti, basketball, face-painting and more. According to Olsen, approximately 40 families were in attendance for the event in its two-hour time period.

Following the mother-son gathering, Kids Just Want Have Fun is expected to host more similar, highly-anticipated occasions as the year progresses.

“We hold an annual Mother/Son Event in the Fall, a Father/Daughter Dance in February, and a Community Easter Egg Hunt at Easter time,” Olsen listed off.

Kids Just Want to Have Fun typically receives a generous turnout and feedback from parents around the county.

“We have hosted a Breakfast on the Farm Event at Heritage Acres and then helped with another at a working farm. We have planned and fundraised for the indoor playground at the mall, the 18-hole miniature golf course near the Aquatic Park, and little free libraries that will go up in the community,” she added.

Olsen shared that the committee is currently pursuing the idea of a Bike Share program, which was initially pitched in 2022. When the idea is carried out, the trail bikes will be stationed in town for people of the community to use.

The chairwoman emphasized the importance of youth civic involvement, and the reason for placing youth entertainment and relationship strengthening as a priority within the Fairmont area. She believes immersing in a thriving community builds lasting relationships with not only friends and family but also fellow members of Martin County.

“Over the years, we have had older youth step forward and volunteer their time and efforts to help us in our endeavors. Some examples are Eagle Scouts building things at the mini golf course, high school students cleaning the indoor playground, painting faces and dressing as superheroes to entertain children at the mother-son event, and others helping with the Easter Egg Hunt. We have been able to witness their pride in giving back to their community and being a good example to younger youth. I think it is important to surround yourself with positive opportunities and examples as you learn and develop the characteristics of being a good community member.”

Community members can assist the group by volunteering or offering a monetary donation that will go directly toward project upkeep, events and overall support.

Donations to Kids Just Want to Have Fun can be mailed to Kids Just Want to Have Fun Project 1590PO Box 705 Fairmont, MN 56031