Children & Youth Partnership announces 14th Annual KidsFest event

[Courtesy Children & Youth Partnership]

The date is set for Children & Youth Partnership’s 14th Annual KidsFest event. This exciting festival for young children will be held on Friday, May 12, 2023, at Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Children, parents, grandparents and child care programs are invited to participate in a morning of music, games, crafts, entertainment, and play activities, all for free.

Last year, with our return to an in-person event, KidsFest brought out more than 1,300 young children and adults to enjoy a morning of fun on the grounds of Festival Park’s Outdoor Pavilion. Attendees participated in nearly 50 play opportunities that were available, including bubbles, the Sea Turtle Hospital, musical exploration, a variety of arts and crafts, fire trucks, police cars, and Buster the School Bus.

KidsFest has become a much-anticipated event celebrating Dare County’s young children and promoting the importance of play in developing their minds and imaginations. Readi­ness for school is more than basic knowledge of language and math and includes all facets of development: physical, cognitive, social, and emotional competencies.

Play and positive play environments allow opportunities for children to discover, create, imagine, explore, and experience materials that will foster language skills, writing, cooperation, and scientific and mathematical concepts. The Outer Banks is a beautiful place for young children to connect with nature and develop a love for the outdoors and all that it offers in our community.

Children & Youth Partnership (CYP) is currently seeking exhibitors to be a part of KidsFest 2023 by presenting an activity that is child-friendly and age-appropriate for young children up to the age of five.

Don’t have an activity for kids but want to be involved? Ask us about how you can volunteer or help sponsor this well-loved event in our community. CYP welcomes the opportunity to publicize your company or organization as a sponsor for this fun, feel-good celebration!

If you are interested in being a part of KidsFest 2023, contact Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County at 252-441-0614 or visit darekids.org/kidsfest for more information.

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