PELLA, Iowa — Families gathered at Central College for the first Grandparents Day, honoring the late Dan Marburger.

Saturday at 1:00 p.m. the Ron and Joyce Schipper Stadium hosted some special guests, grandparents. The day was organized in honor of the late Dan Marburger who was killed in the January 4th school shooting. Dan was a 1989 Central College graduate and lifelong Central fan.

The grandparents special, popcorn and M&Ms, was available for children and grandparents to share. Seth Marburger, son of Dan Marburger, is a 2016 Central College graduate and is currently a special education teacher in the Pella Community School District.

“One of dad’s traditions with his grandchildren was to take them to a Central Dutch football game and buy them popcorn and M&M’s during the game,” said Marburger. “We love the popcorn and M&M tradition and are thrilled to see it expand to all grandparents and grandchildren at the game.”

The day wasn’t just about grandparents, some grandchildren got to see the spotlight as well.

Six kid captains were chosen from Pella Christian, Jefferson Intermediate, and Pella Middle School. The kids were part of the coin toss and had the opportunity to watch the first plays from the sidelines.

Mary Benedict, Director of Engagement at Central College, says its uplifting to see families coming out to celebrate Dan and enjoy each other. The younger kids may not know the meaning of the event but for those who do, its bittersweet.

“When someone hurts, we all hurt,” said Benedict. “It’s an honor for us to celebrate Dan, the hero that he was, his memory, his family, we will never forget.”