The 10th annual Grand Festival at the Cass Council on Aging drew 350 people Friday. Among the things that grandparents and grandchildren were able to enjoy were a hayride, above, and a rock climbing wall. (Leader photos/SCOTT NOVAK)

The 10th annual Cass County Council on Aging Grand Festival at the Ed Lowe Center drew 350 people Friday.

What started out as a small party for grandparents and their grand children at the COA has grown into one of the facility’s biggest events.

Familes were able to enjoy animals from the Sarett Nature Center, rides on the Withers Choo Choo and even a hayride. There was a climbing wall and balloon animals, plus a magician.

The day ended with dinner being served.

“It was a beautiful day and we had a wonderful turn out of grandparents and grandchildren, Bob Cochrane, CEO of the COA said. “Several had never attended before and commented on the great time they had.

“They were amazed at the COA putting on an event for grandparents and their grandkids for free.”