Celebrate Kids Day Returns to Warren County: Fun, Family, and Community Come Together This Sunday – September 28th

Warren County families are gearing up for one of the most exciting and heartwarming events of the year—Celebrate Kids Day, happening this Sunday, September 28, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Health and Human Services Complex, formerly the 15th Street Gym. Hosted by the Warren Coalition, this event promises a fun-filled afternoon for children and families across the region.

Now in its 12th year locally, Celebrate Kids Day was originally created by Christa Shifflett, Executive Director of the Warren Coalition, who first launched the event in Winchester in 1997. Since then, it’s become a staple in the community, blending fun, education, and support resources into one vibrant day.

“It’s a day to celebrate kids, give them some fun, and bring families together,” said Shifflett. “We sneak in a little bit of a resource fair behind the games and inflatables, so while the kids are having fun, parents can connect with agencies that provide support in our community.”

Fun for All Ages

This year’s Celebrate Kids Day introduces a few new twists, including giant orb balls that kids can climb inside and race down a track. “We’re not doing bumper cars with them,” laughed Shifflett. “But we think the kids will love it.”

While most of the event is geared toward elementary-aged children, there’s plenty to do for middle schoolers, and even high school students will be involved as volunteers.

Another new feature this year is a prize punch card system, inspired by old-school arcade games. Kids can play various games to earn punches, which they’ll redeem for prizes ranging from fidget spinners to board games and craft kits. The hope? To subtly teach the value of patience and planning.

“We want to encourage a little bit of self-control,” said Celeste Brooks, a key member of the Coalition team. “If they want that big prize, they may need to wait and earn it.”

More Than Just Fun

The Warren Coalition isn’t just about throwing a great party. This local nonprofit has been serving Warren County for over 30 years, offering programs from birth through adulthood. From early childhood literacy through the Halo Read program to substance misuse prevention, trauma support, and even recovery housing, the Coalition’s reach touches nearly every aspect of the community.

They also help lead obesity prevention efforts, having contributed over $300,000 to improve the local “built environment.” Projects have included basketball courts, pickleball nets, splash pads, and exercise stations throughout the county.

“Sometimes all a project needs is a little push,” said Shifflett. “We help direct people and organizations so they can see what’s possible.”

Community at the Core

Celebrate Kids Day is made possible by the generosity of local sponsors, many of whom also support other events and causes throughout Warren County.

This year’s sponsors include:

• Rotary Club of Warren County & Rotary Club of Northern Shenandoah Valley
• Wells Fargo, represented by George Karnes
• American Legion
• Kiwanis
• Northwestern Community Services Board
• City National Bank
• Front Royal Dental Care
• Elks and Fraternal Order of Police

Thanks to Play Favorites, who even donated giant stuffed “Bumpers” to add some extra excitement to the prize table.

“These are our neighbors,” said Brooks. “They live and work here. And they care deeply about this community.”

Special Attractions

In addition to games and prizes, there will be:

• Face painting
• A petting zoo
• Pony rides
• Pumpkin painting (free for the first 200 kids)
• Food vendors, including C&C’s Frozen Treats, Sipsy’s Dirty Sodas, an ASL Bake Sale, and more.

Parents can also expect classic favorites like the cake walk, alongside a “health walk” that gives out active-lifestyle prizes like basketballs and footballs.

Admission is just $1 per child—and adults are free. But parents are required to stay with their kids; this is a family event, not a drop-off program.

And Don’t Miss the “Pitch Burst”

If you enjoy a little local fun with a splash, make sure to check out the Pitch Burst—a spin on the dunk tank where participants get soaked by bursting water balloons. Local leaders, including the mayor, sheriff, and business owners, have bravely signed up to be targets in hopes of raising money for Warren Coalition programs.

“We have 13 people signed up, all trying to raise $500 each,” said Brooks. “It’s a fun way to support a serious cause.”

Don’t Miss It

With over three decades of service to Warren County, the Warren Coalition continues to find creative and meaningful ways to bring people together—and Celebrate Kids Day is a shining example.

So, grab your kids, bring a dollar, and head out to the Health and Human Services Complex (the old 15th Street Gym) this Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. You’ll find music, laughter, community spirit—and maybe even a little splash from the Pitch Burst.

As Shifflett put it, “We just want to make sure every child and family knows that they’re seen, supported, and celebrated.”