“Every step we take honors victims, supports survivors and spreads awareness.”
That is the message of Wyatt’s Walk, a child abuse prevention and awareness event April 25 at the Iowa County Fairgrounds.
Wyatt Hamlin’s family started the event last year. He died at four months old in 2022.
“We received incredibly supportive feedback from last year about how eye-opening the event was,” said Kayla Hamlin. “Many people shared that they had never been able to put a face to these stories before. Seeing the children’s photos made it deeply personal and real.”
Opening ceremony is at 10 a.m., followed by the walk around the track, with stations telling the stories of child abuse victims.
“Last year, we honored 12 victims, families we’ve built strong connections with. This year, we will be adding two more,” she said. “Along the route, participants are encouraged to take their time to stop and read stories of victims, highlighting both their lives and the heartbreaking inconsistencies in the judicial system. Some children never received the justice they deserved.”
Speakers include representatives from Never Shake MN, an Iowa County social worker, and Hamlin.
“Child abuse happens everywhere, and awareness is key to prevention.
Our goal is to create an event that is both educational and a fun, familyfriendly experience,” Hamlin said.
The event will include bounce houses and family activities, a silent auction and games.
“We’ve expanded our kids’ activities to make the day even more engaging for families,” Hamlin said. “We’ll have Neil the Real Deal balloon twister, crafts, and games. The Wandering Brew will be serving coffee, and the Mineral Point Trap Team will be running the food stand, with all proceeds going back to support their team.”
Educational booths and resources, non-profit booths, and police, firefighters and EMTs will have information about what they do.
Volunteers are needed throughout the day. The sign-up sheet can be found on the group’s Facebook page (@Wyatts WarriorsMP) or website at www.wyattswarriorsinc.com
April is national Child Abuse Prevention Month, meant to unite communities in protecting children. Displays of blue pinwheels are symbols of hope and safety, and blue ribbons are an international symbol of child abuse awareness.