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FAIRFIELD, IOWA -- Children in Fairfield woke up early Sept. 17 to take part in the return of the Kiwanis Kids Day Parade.

The parade was rained out last year so this year the kids were amped to once again express themselves in the annual parade. 

The Kids Day celebration also included a pancake breakfast fundraiser, a kid's tractor pull, and a petting zoo.

Many of the parade participants said the parade offered them a chance to express themselves, and what they believe in.

" It means a lot because it's a chance for us kids to just get out there and show who we are," said Cami Schaefer, a dance student at the Fairfield Art of Dance.

"The kids are representing the fact that Jefferson County Health Center believes that they are our future and we want to give back to the community, " said Staci Warley, the Assistant Outpatient Director at Jefferson County Health Center.

"This is our pride and joy and we enjoy taking care of our kids and we enjoy trying to get them into the health profession.

The 2011 Kiwanis Kids Day received a new educational edition-the Fiery Trail Civil War traveling exhibit.  The exhibit focuses on Iowa's participation in the Civil War. 

The pancake breakfast is an annual fundraiser for the Fairfield Kiwanis Club.  Last year, members said they raised around $9,000, which they donated back to the community in scholarships and playground equipment. This year, they hope to use the proceeds to fund six scholarships for high school seniors and possibly purchase a swing set for Howard City Park in Fairfield.