Photo by Lisa Summers Nate Lyle slides down an inflatable “Bouncin’ Barnyard” at the First Choice America Credit Union’s Cool Kids Barnyard Bash held Thursday at Sonneborn Shelter in Wheeling Park.

Megan Lyle said she brought her son to the Cool Kids Barnyard Bash to have fun, but she ended up getting more out of it.

“I came today for Nate to enjoy the bounce houses and have fun, but I did open a savings account for him as well,” said Lyle about the First Choice America’s Community Federal Credit Union event held Thursday.

The event, at Sonneborn Shelter in Wheeling Park, included free inflatables, games, prizes and refreshments for the kids. But it also gave them a chance to open their first savings account, said Liz Murad, the manager of the credit union’s downtown branch.

“Today is about giving back to the community,” said Murad who also said the annual event is in its 16th year. “What started as a simple table in the credit union 15 years ago grew into the parking lot, then into a bike raffle, to what it is today. It just keeps getting bigger and bigger.”

This year, Murad said she expected between 200-250 kids would take part in the activities. Children who attended received a certificate, valued at $5, that was redeemable at the credit union to open a savings account.

“The credit union has a policy that members must have $5, minimum, to open a savings account,” said Murad. “And with the certificate, children are able to open an account to help them get started saving, even if they don’t have any money to put into the account at this time.”

Wesley Roxby, 13, of Shadyside, said he was enjoying the hayride and inflatables during the event Thursday. But, he said, he has a hard time saving money.

“I already have a savings account, but my dirt bike doesn’t let me save much money,” Roxby said.

Murad said First Choice America’s Credit Union has partnered with Middle Creek Elementary and Bethlehem Elementary to help educate students on good money saving habits.

“We visit the schools once a week during the school year and we give small prizes to any students that have a deposit for their savings account.”

In addition, Murad said that they hold drawings for members throughout the year, and children of members are eligible for college scholarships.