FROSTBURG — Parents and children gathered Thursday for a fun and informational day at Hoffman Park.
The Early Childhood Festival featured face painting, vendors, games and information booths for families with children under 8 years old. All activities were free of charge.
“Early childhood is such an important time for all of the kids, and so it’s just so important we all come together and make an impact,” Sam Kennedy, Judy Center program coordinator at Westmar Early Learning Center, said. “I think sometimes families think when they get to kindergarten that’s when things start, really they can start early.”
Some of the booths for parents included educational, childcare, healthcare and financial support resources.
“We’re here just to get our word out, see how we can help children and parents, families, who don’t know we exist, who might need these services, but don’t know where to start,” said Grace Lapid of the Children’s League, which provides free medical clinics and therapies for children.
Each child received goodies at many of the booths, a slice of pizza from Mario’s Pizza of Frostburg, shaved ice from Kona Ice and a bag of produce from Savage Mountain Farm.
In addition to the games and free food, performances from Mad Science, Living Treasures Animal Park and Mountain City Center for the Arts Beyond the Stage entertained the children.
Ashley Belote, children’s book author and illustrator of “Listen up, Louella” and “Sheepwrecked” provided book signings and illustrations for attendees.
“Our Board of Education and Superintendent (Michael) Martirano have aligned our work with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, whose very first pillar is early childhood education,” Kris Kehrwald, public information officer for Allegany County Public Schools, said. “Our two Judy Centers, which hosted the festival, aren’t childcare; they’re hubs where a child’s first teachers — their families — get the support, learning experiences and services they need well before a child ever enrolls in school.”
The event was hosted by the Judy Center in collaboration with Allegany County Public Schools and the city of Frostburg through funding provided by the Maryland State Department of Education’s Division of Early Childcare.