Kids compete in a pie eating contest during the Santa Monica Jaycees' Huck Finn Day! at Douglas park on Saturday, June 15, 2013. Huck Finn Day is based on Mark Twain’s novel that tackles some of the most difficult social issues our country faces. However, the novel also embodies a powerful message of freedom and friendship that stem from expanding perspectives as Huck and his friend Jim, a runaway slave, escape together on a journey down the Mississippi river. Huck Finn Day is focused on Learn to Fish, a spin-off of the River theme, and allows children to experience this activity in a supervised and exciting environment.