BERRIEN SPRINGS — This fall, Berrien Regional Education Service Agency will be hosting its seventh 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 hosted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, 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.

Additionally, the Festival of Families will host a 5K walk/run, sponsored by First Student, Inc. and Sunset Coast Striders immediately preceding the event. This competitive race will start at 8:30 a.m. Those interested in participating in the 5K can still register, and a link to the official registration page is accessible via berrienresa.org. Proceeds benefit MyTEAM TRIUMPH and United Way of Southwest Michigan.

“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 0 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 including recent winners from 98.3 the Coast’s Youth Talent Show that was held during the Berrien County Youth Fair, and I Heart Spanish, a local youth Mexican Heritage dance team.

Children will also be able to play games, visit with animals from Potawatomi Zoo and Sarett Nature Center, have their faces painted and enjoy hands-on activities, as well as participate in a communitywide “Arts for All” project.

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