On July 22, 2009, over 300 people gathered in Whitmore Park for the Healthy Kids Carnival, a benefit for Rainbow Mennonite CDF Freedom School jointly sponsored by the parent committees of Rainbow Mennonite CDF Freedom School and the Rosedale Ministerial Alliance Healthy Kids Initiative. The Healthy Kids Carnival was an alternative carnival emphasizing healthy and delicious food options, and games and activities that actively engaged the participants. The carnival was featured on the front page of the Kansas City Star the day of the event, and people from as far away as St. Joseph came to support it.

Healthy foods such as fruit and veggie kabobs, grilled corn on the cob, homemade tostadas, vegetable stir-fry, yogurt parfaits and barbecued chicken were on the menu. Freedom School scholars, families and neighbors enjoyed healthy activities and games that included a Moonwalk, limbo, alternative cake walk with sports equipment, and many other games created by the parent committees of Rainbow Mennonite CDF Freedom School. Freedom School Scholars performed their skits and songs for parents and friends during the evening program, and concluded the evening program with a finale in Whitmore Park.

The Healthy Kids Carnival was the second community forum event of the Healthy Kids Initiative, a community wide effort to reduce childhood obesity by promoting active living and healthy eating. The carnival was an opportunity to present healthy habits in a fun and engaging way to the youth of Rosedale. To get involved, call 913-645-7826 or email rosedalehealthykid@att.net