Lehi » Ready, set, go. Fox Hollow Elementary third-grader and "lunch box relay" participant Ikaika Olayan races across the stage in his school's gym to a pile of assorted foods, including soda pop, potato chips and a chocolate pastry.

Refusing to be tempted by the sugary, fatty selections, he grabs a bag of celery, drops it in his lunch box, and runs back to the starting line, where he earns a "good job" from PTA President Mary Allen.

The "lunchbox relay" was just one of several activities students participated in at an evening event for students and their families at the Lehi school last week.

There was also a recipe contest, several healthy-food sampling stations, and a demonstration on how to make wheat pancakes. Students, disguised as fruits and vegetables, posed for photos next to a "You are what you eat" sign. Eight local restaurants, including Costa Vida, Jimmy Johns, Olive Garden and Emerald City Smoothies brought healthy items to sample.

The message being sent: Healthy eating doesn't have to be bland and boring. It can be fun, colorful and delicious, says PTA President-elect Cami Kapp.

Fox Hollow Elementary funded the evening through a National PTA Healthy Lifestyles Award, a $1,000 grant. The Lehi school was one of 10 schools nationwide, and the only from Utah, to win funding to host two health-conscious events this school year.

The PTA saved $500 for a "family fitness fair" in May.

Organized by Fox Hollow Elementary's PTA, the event drew a huge turnout. Weaving through the commons area and down a long hallway, families waited in line to enter the gym. Once in, they filled their plates with fruit chunks, mini sandwiches and trail mix.

Principal Sandra Akagi says the Fox Hollow Elementary PTA has gone above and beyond to emphasize healthy lifestyles.

"They are amazing," Akagi said. "They get our whole community involved."

The night was unique, says Kim Anderson, director of Alpine School District's PTA.

"I don't know of any school-wide event like this," Anderson said. "I know there are classrooms here and there that do, kind of, a healthy thing, but this is the first family event I've seen on this scale."

November is PTA Healthy Lifestyles Month. Throughout the month, PTAs nationwide have planned activities to promote health and wellness through parent involvement in their schools.

"We're really happy," said PTA member Megan Wallgren, who helped plan the night. "It's been great. They're learning a lot. I love to see kids going after the fruits. They seem so excited. Hopefully, they'll take away that there's great after-school snacks that are healthy."

Vaughn Spendlove, a Fox Hollow dad, discovered a new after-school snack for his children.

"I didn't think [my kids would] like celery and peanut butter," he said after visiting the ants-on-a-log station. "Now we'll have to have it at home."

For fifth-grader Shayden Sellers, the night was extra sweet. Her original recipe for "bean and vegetable soup" won "best dinner."

Smiling, she carried away her prize: cooking supplies and a gift certificate.

Besides the loot, what did she take from the night?

"That eating healthy is fun!" she said.