In what is quickly becoming a Green Bay tradition, several Packers players Friday gathered with children at Tank Park to celebrate the second annual Kids' Day -- an event Mayor Jim Schmitt implemented last year.

The celebration was originally started within Schmitt's own family, as every June 25 -- exactly six months from Christmas Day -- was a day devoted to family activities.

In just its second year, hundreds of children gathered in the park for lots of food, fun and a message from the mayor himself, plus Packers linebacker Nick Barnett, cornerback Joey Thomas and tackles Joe Hayes and Jason Hilliard were on hand to sign autographs and hang out with the kids.

Residents of Green Bay, ages 17 or younger, were also invited to join Mayor Schmitt for free activities including swimming at city pools, rides at Bay Beach Amusement Park, activities at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, lunch with the mayor at Tank Park and library story time and skits at Washington Commons.

The events were sponsored by the city and area businesses and the day culminated with activities for older kids, including a concert and Teen Night.