Aleigha Gully reached into red sack with her whole arm. One by one the five-year-old pulled out small slips of blank paper until finally finding one labeled number 19. A small crowd cheered — the child had won her second basket of the night.

Aleigha and her family were just some of those who lined up to take their chances on the Chinese basket auction, one of the most popular events at Family Fun Days.

The festival, which kicked off Thursday evening, drew young and old to Coal Grove’s Paul Porter Park for live music, fair games and plenty of food.

Vickie McDaniel, president of the Coal Grove Betterment Club, which sponsors event along with the Village, said the turnout was strong for the first day of the festival.

“It’s picking up as the evening goes on,” McDaniel said. “We’ve got a pretty good crowd for being as early as it is.”

McDaniel added that the weather forecast for the event looks good and that people are enjoying themselves.

“Everyone who comes up seems to be having a good time,” she said. “Everyone has a big smile on their face.”

Coal Grove Mayor Larry McDaniel said the event is a sort of family reunion for the village.

“(I would like to) thank the community for coming out, thank the club for sponsoring and thank the fire department and police department for their protection,” McDaniel said.

Coal Grove Family Fun Days will continue today and wrap up Saturday at 10 p.m. with a fireworks display.