Mud Day in Michigan proves to be a right lark – in pictures

Children run through the mud pit at Nankin Mills recreation complex in Westland Photograph: Jeff Kowalsky/EPA

Mud Day attracts children from nearby Detroit and beyond Photograph: Jeff Kowalsky/EPA

Samantha, left, and Sydney Romej, right, muddy themselves Photograph: Jeff Kowalsky/EPA

Nine-year-old Kellan Clegg (right) from Livonia, Michigan, wallows in the mire Photograph: Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

Thirteen-year-old Sarah Rojewski, of Livonia, Michigan, gives her brother Ben, 11, a mud shampoo Photograph: Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

A child removes some mud from his eye Photograph: Jeff Kowalsky/EPA

Parents also join in fun with their young offspring Photograph: Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

More than 20,000 gallons of water and 200 tonnes of topsoil are used to created the giant mud pit Photograph: Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

Eloy Kuzma laughs as she plays Photograph: Jeff Kowalsky/EPA

Isiah Sanders, left, is held by his father, Horace, as he is hosed off after playing in the mud pit Photograph: Jeff Kowalsky/EPA