You don’t usually see clowns in Demonstration Hall.

But on Friday, the building that hosts MSU’s military science department played host to clowns, balloons, popcorn, games and 84 area third- and fourth-grade students as Phi Iota Alpha Fraternidad Inc. presented its first Kids Fest with the help of other student organizations.

“This is our way of giving back to the community,” said marketing junior Claudio Juarez, a member of the Latino greek organization. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it when you see a smile.”

The event, which hosted students from various East Lansing schools, presented the students with not only entertainment, but education.

Activities included presentations from the East Lansing fire and police departments and Olin Health Center as well as a dunk tank, face painting and different games.

Jean Zimmie, a third- and fourth-grade teacher at Lakeside Christian School, 7868 Old M-78, said the event touched on topics ranging from diversity to fire safety.

“It was a day set aside just for the kids,” she said. “It was fun yet educational.”

Zimmie added that she hopes to bring more students next year.

Rich Monk, a food industry management junior and member of Phi Psi Fraternity Inc., was among the many MSU students volunteering at the event.

“We believe that the children of today are leaders of tomorrow,” he said. “We always love to put a smile on a kid’s face.”

Charles Fox, a 10-year-old student in Zimmie’s fourth-grade class, was among the participants in the event. He said his favorite part of the day was the sponge toss.

“You got to hit some of the college kids in the face with sponges,” he explained. “It was a lot of fun.”