STURGIS - Three-year-old Peyton Miracle wielded a purple balloon sword fashioned by Mister Funny Man the clown.

Peyton had already tossed bean bags, shot a bow and arrow, gone fishing for prizes and was eyeing a large hot dog on the table before him.

His mom, April, was thrilled with the family's decision to attend the Sturgis First Night event.

"We moved here from Gunnison, Colo., after the rally, and it's just neat, all the things they have for families to do together in this town," she said.

Good weather, community support and appreciative participants added up to another successful Sturgis First Night on New Year's Eve.

All the planning and effort from organizers over the past year were rewarded in mile-wide smiles and laughs by youngsters and their parents.

This year's Sturgis First Night featured 12 venues with activities ranging including the carnival atmosphere at the Sturgis Armory and bowling, puppet theater, art projects and a sock hop.

The success could be measured even before the doors opened Wednesday. Randy Bender, project coordinator for the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce and one of the event's organizers, said they had more volunteers than needed. Later Wednesday, Bender said 575 people attended the event.

"I think people really relate to the family-friendly atmosphere of the event," he said.

This is the second year Marlene Kotab has volunteered for Sturgis First Night. She has helped both years at the inflatable jumping castle in the Sturgis Armory.

"We're not real busy right now," Kotab said just after 5 p.m. on New Year's Eve. "But by 8 p.m., we will have all ages lined up to use it."

Lia Meirose, her sister Katie and their friend Kaitlin Peterson were waiting for takers at the face-painting booth. Lia, 14, had volunteered as a face painter last year and recruited the other two to help this year.

"We're mediocre, but she is advanced," Lia said pointing to the other end of the table at Maddy Bangs.

Bangs was drawing swirls of green paint and purple stars on the forehead of 6-year-old Kiara Brown, transforming her into a flower fairy.

Sturgis City Manager Dave Boone was selling tickets for Sturgis First Night at the door of the Sturgis Armory. He said he was excited to see all of the families taking part.

"Kudos to the chamber for having this family event. This is the kind of glue that keeps a community together," he said.