Children's Fair encourages fun while learning
Apr. 23—Local kids had a chance to participate in some hands-on learning while also having fun on Tuesday thanks to the Youth Alliance Children's Fair.
The fair, catered to children 6 and under, offered an interactive, hands-on learning experience. Kids can wander across the St. Joseph Civic Arena and explore the different booths sponsored by local organizations such as Community Action Partnership, United Way, Rolling Hills Library and more.
The event featured sensory pools, obstacle courses, story time and other activities. This year's theme was "Let the Adventures Begin" and had two sessions Tuesday: one from 9 to 11 a.m. and another from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Robin Hammond, executive director at Youth Alliance, said this event isn't just a fun time for the kids; parents can also learn some good educational tips and tricks to help their child flourish.
"This is a chance for parents and their kids to create experiences and take away some ideas for future learning activities," Hammond said. "They're also working on cognitive abilities that are really important to develop in these critical early years of life."
Amanda Kritikos, a parent at the event, said she heard about the children's fair from an educator through the Parents as Teachers program. She was impressed with all the different organizations represented.
"I know a few places that are here like the UCP. I've always heard good things about them," Kritikos said. "We try to see what different experiences there are to help kids learn.
Aside from showcasing good learning strategies, Kritikos said the children's fair offers more benefits.
"It's definitely a good way to see what resources there are in St. Joe, to try to meet some other parents. Sometimes that's hard to do too, especially if you have little kids, it's kind of isolating," she said.
As a parent, her favorite part was the Rolling Hills Bookmobile. However, the kids shared a different perspective.
Evea Bufford, a child who attended the fair, said her favorite part was seeing butterflies, but she also loved getting some books.
"I got 'Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile,'" Bufford said.
She also used building blocks to make a big wall.
"I kicked it and then ran," she said.
Another child who attended, Eleanor Adams, said she had a great time at the children's fair as well.
"There's so much toys," Adams said. "My favorite part is the spinning wheel."
Attendee Caylee Rich said her favorite part was going to the bookmobile.
"I liked seeing Ms. Sara from the library," Rich said.
She also tapped into her creative side with Play-Doh.
"(I made) a frog on a lily pad with trees," she said.
