Promoting religion with public money is inappropriateIt was hard for attendees of this year's Park County Fair to miss KidZJam's large “bouncy toys” near the exhibit halls. Those who did had only to look for the fair's new wooden directional signage scattered around the midway for “KidZJam,” with a bold arrow pointing the way. The group has been a fixture at the fair for the last three years, but its presence involves much more than the inflatable toys kids gravitate to. The group's mission, according to its Web site, is “to facilitate an environment in which kids of all ages can be educated, encouraged and empowered to develop a Christian lifestyle through biblical principles.” A description of the group's program, also found on the Web site, reads: “KidZJam ‘Live on Tour' is a high-energy, animated biblical program. This program is designed specifically to reach children of all ages, through up-lifting music, interactive games and larger than life illustrations. Our program is based on biblical principles and promises found in the living word of God.”However, fair board members and fair manager Steve Scott recently said they were unaware of the overtly Christian message that's part of the KidZJam program. But, provided a person has taken the time to sit through an entire presentation — the part that follows kids' playtime on the huge, inflatable toys — it's hard to miss the message. “Don't be a chicken, go tell someone about Jesus,” and “The more you say that (I am not forgotten) the more (candy) we'll give away,” are statements KidZJam entertainers have shared with children over the years. The evangelical mission of the KidZJam group highlights the importance of fair organizers doing more diligent research in the future.The fair board — with oversight from the Park County Commission — has been entrusted to spend public money to run the fair. That includes deciding which performers to hire. KidZJam received $16,000 to perform at this year's fair. (The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band was paid $25,000 for its performance, most or all of which was recouped through ticket sales.) In addition, KidZJam solicited donations during performances. Other local religious groups — such as First Baptist Church — were charged for their booth space at the fair. According to statistics in the World Almanac, there are 10,000 distinct religions worldwide. Any of them should be allowed a presence at the fair — provided they have paid for their space. But promoting a single religious organization, with a specific set of beliefs — and funding their mission with taxpayer dollars — crosses the line.

Promoting religion with public money is inappropriate

It was hard for attendees of this year's Park County Fair to miss KidZJam's large “bouncy toys” near the exhibit halls. Those who did had only to look for the fair's new wooden directional signage scattered around the midway for “KidZJam,” with a bold arrow pointing the way.

The group has been a fixture at the fair for the last three years, but its presence involves much more than the inflatable toys kids gravitate to.

The group's mission, according to its Web site, is “to facilitate an environment in which kids of all ages can be educated, encouraged and empowered to develop a Christian lifestyle through biblical principles.”

A description of the group's program, also found on the Web site, reads: “KidZJam ‘Live on Tour' is a high-energy, animated biblical program. This program is designed specifically to reach children of all ages, through up-lifting music, interactive games and larger than life illustrations. Our program is based on biblical principles and promises found in the living word of God.”

However, fair board members and fair manager Steve Scott recently said they were unaware of the overtly Christian message that's part of the KidZJam program. But, provided a person has taken the time to sit through an entire presentation — the part that follows kids' playtime on the huge, inflatable toys — it's hard to miss the message. “Don't be a chicken, go tell someone about Jesus,” and “The more you say that (I am not forgotten) the more (candy) we'll give away,” are statements KidZJam entertainers have shared with children over the years.

The evangelical mission of the KidZJam group highlights the importance of fair organizers doing more diligent research in the future.

The fair board — with oversight from the Park County Commission — has been entrusted to spend public money to run the fair. That includes deciding which performers to hire.

KidZJam received $16,000 to perform at this year's fair. (The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band was paid $25,000 for its performance, most or all of which was recouped through ticket sales.) In addition, KidZJam solicited donations during performances. Other local religious groups — such as First Baptist Church — were charged for their booth space at the fair.

According to statistics in the World Almanac, there are 10,000 distinct religions worldwide. Any of them should be allowed a presence at the fair — provided they have paid for their space. But promoting a single religious organization, with a specific set of beliefs — and funding their mission with taxpayer dollars — crosses the line.