MARS — Kids at Mars Area School District ran, walked, jumped, danced, and played outdoors during the annual March for Mars fundraiser Wednesday to raise money for the school district's field trip program.

The fundraiser, which started Wednesday and ends Friday, is run by the Mars Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) and is the group's largest fund-gathering event during the year. MASD kids spend 30 to 45 minutes running and being active outdoors, and receive prizes and T-shirts for donating to the fundraiser in advance.

Mars Primary Center had its March on Wednesday morning, Mars Area Elementary will get outside on Thursday and Mars Area Centennial will participate on Friday.

“(The March for Mars) helps us pay for our field trips, the T-shirts that students wear on the trips, and the field days,” said Jenna Falkner, president of Mars PTO.

“The event is supposed to encourage (kids) to be healthy, get outside and exercise and have fun with their friends,” Falkner said. “Classes come out on a scheduled basis, and parents volunteer to come help encourage them and offer them water if they need it, and keep them continuously moving. It's promoting being healthy and staying active, while also raising money for the field trips.”

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