fbpx It’s Finally Here: 12th Annual Day of Play Family Festival Coming September 16th to Elm Park! | Edward Street

It’s Finally Here: 12th Annual Day of Play Family Festival Coming September 16th to Elm Park!

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Sometimes when you get lemons…you make lemonade!

That’s certainly the case with our 2023 Day of Play Family Festival, which is better than ever after being rescheduled! 

Day of Play was originally slated for June. Although we were rained out at the time, the great news is that we’re back and ready to engage in the power of play on September 16th! 

In moving the festival from June to September, we had the opportunity for some amazing organizations and performers to join us. The following are new events that you can expect on September 16th:

  • - Jonoah Bailin, juggler extraordinaire, will be performing. He’ll also be roaming through the festival on his unicycle – see if you can spot him cycling around!
  • - Joy of Music Program (JOMP) faculty and staff from the Carnival of Animals is going to perform and set
  •    up a musical petting zoo. You’ll have the chance to hold and learn about different instruments!
  • - Sound & Meditation with Margie Breault will lead you on a guided meditation to see how listening
  •    to different sounds can lead to calmness and relaxation!
  • - Woofster (the WooSox Rescue Mascot) will be making a special appearance.
  • - Face Painting & Henna Tattoos will be led by the South East Asian Coalition.
  • - Story Hours will be held throughout the day with readings of Daniel’s Good Day in an
  •    array of languages.
  • - Peace Cranes and Paper Chains includes crafting sponsored by the Center for Nonviolent Solutions.
  •    Join in drawing a hand for peace, folding a peace crane, or adding a link to a paper chain.

More exciting performers and activities you don’t want to miss

The Day of Play Family Festival features seven play areas: Active, Construction, Creative Arts, Health & Wellness, Mindfulness, Reading, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Play participants will have the opportunity to pick activities and areas that they are interested in exploring.

In addition to our new performers, you can also expect performances by Crocodile River Music; the Traditional Lion Dancers; Chuck & Mud (and Buds); ACE Drummers; In Da Zone; and Francis Flynn, the Magician.

Those interested in STEM will have the opportunity to code a robot, make small push rockets or get up close to reptiles from Skins & Scales, and QCC’s Department of Child Study is hosting a unique way to paint with different size balls.

These are just a few of the exciting activities and special guests scheduled – stay tuned for more and exciting updates by visiting the Day of Play website and Facebook page!

Get involved: Visit https://www.worcesterdayofplay.org/ to learn more!

With the power of play, nothing is impossible. Thank you!

Day of Play takes a village. We couldn’t produce this festival or reschedule it without the help and support of our wonderful community.

The Festival Planning Committee includes representatives from Worcester Family Partnership, YWCA of Central Massachusetts, Worcester Child Development Head Start, Worcester Comprehensive Education & Care, Worcester Division of Public Health, and Quinsigamond Community College. Each year, the planning committee seeks out opportunities to bring more community organizations and new ideas to the festival. For guest comfort this year, there will be more restroom facilities and a water station hosted by Cleartide Hydration.

The 2023 Day of Play Family Festival has been generously funded and supported by the following organizations, local businesses, and nonprofits:

  • Presenting Sponsors: Edward Street, Worcester Family Partnership
  • Play Area Sponsors: Harr Automotive Group, Worcester Division of Public Health & the REACH Grant
  • Activity Sponsors: Eastern Bank, Guild of St. Agnes, Hanover Insurance Group Foundation, National Grid, Tufts Health Plan, WebsterFive Foundation, Wegmans
  • Contributing Sponsors: Avidia Bank, Baystate Savings Bank, Berkshire Bank, Country Bank, Middlesex Savings Bank, Seven Hills Foundation
  • Supporting Sponsors: Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, Cornerstone Bank, Herlihy Insurance Group, MAAEYC, Price Chopper | Market 32, Smileland of Westborough, YWCA of Central MA

This year’s festival is also supported by an ARPA Grant from the City of Worcester.

See you on September 16th!

We are so thankful that we were able to reschedule this year’s festival for Saturday, September 16th from 11am-4pm at Elm Park in Worcester. In case the weather is uncooperative once again, we have a rain date set for the following Saturday, September 23rd.

Edward Street proudly supports high quality early learning and care. Donate today so children, families, and businesses can thrive, and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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