BERRIEN SPRINGS — This fall, Berrien Regional Education Service Agency (Berrien RESA) will be hosting its second annual countywide event for families and children wishing to learn more about educational programs offered in their community. The event, the Berrien RESA Festival of Families, will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6 at the Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds in Berrien Springs.

The Festival of Families will feature a resource expo where families can learn about a variety of community programs and services designed to help their children thrive. New this year, the event will also feature a college/transition recruitment fair featuring community colleges, universities, trade schools and volunteer organizations from Michigan.

“We had such a successful event last year,” said Berrien RESA Superintendent Dr. Kevin Ivers. “The Festival of Families provided a networking and resource opportunity for hundreds of families throughout Berrien County. While last year’s Festival emphasized special education services, this year’s event is for everyone (both general and special education students and their families). If you are looking for information about early child development, K-12 education, advanced programming, special education opportunities and higher education, this event is for you.”

Through conversations with their constituents, Berrien RESA learned that families are seeking a one-stop source for information and tools to help their children be successful in all areas of their development. Families said they wanted to learn more about community athletic opportunities, financial literacy, college and universities, Career and Technical education, resources about transitional needs, and occupational and volunteer opportunities. Therefore, Berrien RESA established the Festival of Families, providing such a resource for families of children ages 0-26.

The Festival of Families will also feature carnival games and activities that are accessible to children of all abilities. During the event a variety of local entertainment acts will perform, face painters and a balloon artist will be on site. Children will be able to create make-it/take-it art projects, visit with animals from Sarett Nature Center, enjoy hands-on activities offered by the Curious Kids Museum as well as participate in a communitywide “Arts for All” painting project. Also offered during the Festival will be chair massages, a bounce house and a craft sale. Lunch options will be available for purchase.

Event sponsors include Berrien RESA, First Student Inc., Chemical Bank, Honor Credit Union, United Federal Credit Union, Berrien County Youth Fair, Competitive Edge, Art & Image, Beaudoin Electrical Construction, Two Men And A Truck, St. Joseph Today, New Country 99.9, Mark III, Premier Promotions, Biggby Coffee, Celebration Cinema, M&W Tire, Staples, Papa Vino’s, Plante Moran, and the Silver Beach Carousel Society.

The event and all activities are free-of-charge. Pre-arranged shuttle service throughout Berrien County will also be available (at no cost to families). Please contact Karen Heath at (269) 471-7725 ext. 1147 to request transportation. For more information about the Festival, please visit www.berrienresa.org.