Berrien Springs — This fall, Berrien Regional Education Service Agency will host its fifth 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 take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, 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.

“This event continues to grow each year,” said Berrien RESA Superintendent Dr. Kevin Ivers. “The Festival of Families provides a networking and resource opportunity for hundreds of people throughout Berrien County. If you are looking for information about early child development, K-12 education, advanced programming, transition services, 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, 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 infant to 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 play games, visit with animals from Potawatomi Zoo, and enjoy hands-on activities offered by the Curious Kids Museum, as well as participate in a communitywide “Arts for All” project.

Free lunch and ice cream will be provided for the first 500 children in attendance. Additional items may be purchased from a select menu being offered by Baja Gringo Taco Truck, Lark’s BBQ, Michiana Hot Dog, and Wagner’s Ice Cream.

Event sponsors include Berrien RESA, First Student Inc., Berrien County Youth Fair, Art & Image, Honor Credit Union, Lakeland Health, Four Winds Casino, Competitive Edge, United Federal Credit Union, Chemical Bank, Silver Beach Carousel Society, Beaudoin Electrical Construction, RX Optical, Kruggel Lawton CPAs, St. Joseph Today, The Boulevard Inn & Bistro, Silver Beach Pizza, Plante Moran, The Toy Company, Walmart of Benton Harbor, and Celebration! Cinema.

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) thanks to the continuous support of First Student Transportation. The shuttle service is door-to-door and can accommodate riders needing wheelchairs or car seats. Contact Karen Heath at (269) 471-7725 ext. 1147 to request transportation. For more information about the Festival, please visit berrienresa.org.