Registration is now open for Harford County’s first annual Youth and Family Resource Festival featuring public and private resources for youth of all abilities from birth to young adults. Developed by the Harford County Department of Community Services’ Local Management Board and Office of Disability Services, this free, family-friendly event will be held on Saturday, April 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at APGFCU Arena located at Harford Community College, 401 Thomas Run Road in Bel Air. Dozens of workshops, more than 80 exhibitors, and a kid zone are planned. Free bus transportation will be available from designated locations, and a light lunch will be provided for citizens who register in advance.
“This unprecedented local event will help connect children and young adults of all abilities with resources in our community,” said County Executive Barry Glassman. “I encourage families to register now and join us on April 22 for this first annual festival to lift up Harford County’s next generation.”
Thirty-six workshops scheduled throughout the day for children, youth, and parents will offer information including kindergarten readiness, yoga and music for young children, homework strategies, library resources, healthy eating, healthy relationships, mental health and well-being, budgeting basics, substance use, college preparation, disability support, school requirements, computer/technology safety, and sitter safety. A complete listing of workshops and their descriptions can be found online at www.harfordcountymd.gov/2070/Youth-Family-Resource-Festival.
Festival attendees will also have the opportunity to meet with exhibitors and representatives from vendors, agencies, organizations, and support groups that provide services such as summer camps, tutoring, behavioral health, fingerprinting, preschool programs, athletic programs, financial assistance and housing support. There will also be youth entertainment and interactive experiences including a Touch-a-Truck experience with a police car and a fire truck, face painting, Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding’s Equicizer mechanical horse, and Disney princess characters to meet and greet! Door prizes from organizations such as Chick-fil-A, Saxon’s Diamond Centers, and the Michael Stewart Foundation will be awarded throughout the day.
Pre-registration for the festival is strongly encouraged and is available online at www.harfordcountymd.gov/FormCenter/Community-Services-7/2017-Youth-and-Family-Resource-Festival–187. Families who pre-register will receive a voucher for a light lunch. To register by phone, please contact the Department of Community Services at 410-638-3389.
Free transportation to and from the festival will be provided by JDT Transportation, Inc. and available throughout the day at the following locations:
Hall’s Cross Roads Elementary School | 203 E. Belair Avenue, Aberdeen
Magnolia Elementary School | 901 Trimble Road, Joppa
The EPICENTER | 1918 Pulaski Highway, Edgewood
The Harford County Youth and Family Resource Festival is sponsored by the Harford County Department of Community Services’ Office of Disability Services and Local Management Board; APG Federal Credit Union; APGFCU Arena; Harford Mutual Insurance Company; Jones Junction; Challenge Island, Towson University Northeastern Maryland; The EPICENTER; The Goddard School; Growing Smiles; Harford County Public Library; The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region; Harford County Public Schools; the Bel Air Athletic Club; Harford County Department of Social Services; and Catholic Charities Villa Maria Schools. Limited spaces are still available for interested vendors or sponsors.
The Harford County Department of Community Services works daily to meet the needs of our seniors, youth, persons with disabilities, and those struggling to overcome addiction. The Department works with federal, state, local, and private agencies to ensure our county continues to evolve and remains dedicated to providing the best possible services for our citizens and community.
