5th Annual Allegany County Early Childhood Festival on July 30
The Judy Center Early Learning Hub, in partnership with the City of Frostburg and the Allegany County Public Schools Community School Program, will host its 5th Annual Allegany County Early Childhood Festival on Thursday, July 30, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Hoffman Park, 11298–11200 Hoffman Hollow Road SW, Frostburg, MD 21502. Every activity at the event is completely free, and all families are welcome. The theme is “Imagination Forest.” The festival is designed for families with children from birth through age 8, although children of all ages are welcome. From face painting and lawn games to pizza and hands-on educational activities, there is no cost to attend. “The Early Childhood Festival is such a special event because every activity is completely free for families,” said Dan Sunder, Judy Center program coordinator at South Penn Elementary. “More than 30 community partners and vendors will be joining us for this fun-filled afternoon.”
Free Shuttle Service Available
Sam Kennedy, Judy Center program coordinator at Westmar Early Learning Center, added that, “We can’t wait to see you there! Parking at Hoffman Hollow Park is limited, so complimentary shuttle service will be available through Bowman Charter shuttles. Shuttles will run from Westernport Elementary School and Westmar Middle School to the festival and from South Penn Elementary School to the festival.”
Mainstage Performances & Special Guest
Families can enjoy exciting mainstage performances from Mad Science, Living Treasures Animal Park, and MCCA Beyond the Stage. At the pavilion, attendees will find a maker space and DIGI booth, along with author and illustrator Ashley Balote, who will meet families, share her books, and give live illustration demos.
Free Food for Every Child
Every child who attends will receive a ticket for a free Kona Ice, one slice of pizza from Mario’s, and a farmers market tasting featuring a fresh bag of produce from Savage Mountain Farm.
Community Resources & Activities
More than 30 community partner booths will offer fun activities and information about valuable local resources. Highlights include a story walk and scavenger hunt with the Allegany County Library, the Allegany County Health Department’s mobile health unit, and free vision screenings from the Lions Club.
The Early Learning Festival is hosted by the Judy Center Early Learning Hub, which serves families through South Penn Elementary and Westmar Early Learning Center, in collaboration with the City of Frostburg and Allegany County Public School Community Schools. The Judy Center Early Learning Hub program in Allegany County Public Schools is supported through funding from the Maryland State Department of Education’s Division of Early Childhood (DEC) under the Judy Center Early Learning Hub Grant. The content and opinions expressed are those of the grantee and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Maryland State Department of Education.