SOUTH POINT — If the hula-hoop were an Olympic sport, four-year-old Alexis Johnson of South Point could go for the gold.

Showing a decided self-confidence about the intricacy of the hoop’s

wiggle and balance trick, Alexis danced around the playroom at the South Point Head Start.

Nearby her classmates were showing equally good, albeit unique, form as they slipped under a not so low limbo pole as the Banana Boat song played in the background.

With a buffet table covered with bowls of fresh pineapples, bananas, melons and strawberries, the children got a healthy after-school snack as they sampled a variety of games like “Pin the Apple on the Pig” or “Water Ducky.”

It was all a part of an after-hours Spring Luau last week for the youngsters at the Head Start, which officials hope will bring more children into the program.

There are 10 Head Start sites throughout the county operated by the Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization.

Besides the center in South Point there are sites at Dawson-Bryant, Ironton, Rock Hill, Sybene, Getaway, Proctorville,

Symmes Valley, Chesapeake and the Ohio University Southern Child Development Center in Hanging Rock.

While the children were having fun, parents of prospective students had the chance to look over the South Point facility and find out what services Head Start has available, including early reading, computer literacy, social play development and early math and writing.

But recruitment wasn’t the only purpose for the event. It was also a chance for busy working parents to share a few moments of fun at the center with their children.

“They can’t come to events during the day,” Phyllis Newman, family and community partnership manager, said. “This gives them a chance to relax while watching their children.”

Other spring events include a farmers’ day at Getaway; Rock Hill High Spanish students reading stories; and movie day at Hanging Rock. All events will be from 9 a.m.-noon Thursday and are open to parents.