Celebrate Kids Day Returns: Fun, Family, and 30 Years of Community Support

The Warren Coalition is gearing up for its annual “Celebrate Kids Day,” a fun-filled event designed to uplift local children and their families. This year’s event, scheduled for Sunday, September 29th, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the 15th Street Complex, marks the 11th anniversary of Celebrate Kids Day. After a brief pause during the pandemic, the event is back and bigger than ever.

Celeste Brooks, the Community Outreach Coordinator, and Christa Shiflett, Executive Director of the Warren Coalition, stopped by the Royal Examiner to share exciting details about this year’s event, which promises a variety of engaging activities for kids and helpful resources for parents.

The day will be filled with entertainment from children’s groups, a large resource fair, and many activities to keep kids busy while their parents learn more about community programs. This year’s resource fair will feature a record number of booths where parents can connect with local organizations and services. But it’s not just about information—each booth will offer an activity to entertain kids, giving parents a chance to chat in peace.

There will be inflatables, pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, and games with prizes for the little ones. The first 200 children will even receive small pumpkins to decorate. And the fun doesn’t stop there. The Coalition is also planning a cake walk, with cakes and books as prizes, all for just a dollar per entry.

A highlight of the day is the “PitchBurst,” a unique twist on the classic dunk tank. Instead of being dunked in water, volunteers will stand under a balloon filled with water, which bursts when a kid hits a target. Local community figures like the Sheriff, Police Chief, Mayor, and School Superintendent will participate, each raising at least $500 to earn their spot. It’s a fun way to get involved and raise money for the Coalition’s efforts.

Shiflett shared that last year’s event, despite being moved indoors due to bad weather, was a huge success, drawing more people than expected. To prepare for this year’s crowd, the Coalition has arranged extra help with parking and a drop-off zone for those with mobility issues. They’re expecting another big turnout, and the event will go on rain or shine.

This year also brings a significant milestone for the Warren Coalition, celebrating its 30th anniversary. To commemorate three decades of serving the community, the Coalition is launching a fundraising campaign called “30 for 30 in 30.” The goal is to raise $30,000 in 30 days, beginning at Celebrate Kids Day and ending on October 28th. Donations can be made at the event, where there will be a special celebration station complete with a giant balloon arch, noisemakers, and a gong for donors to ring. Shiflett emphasized that the Coalition has never asked the community for financial help before and hopes residents will support their work during this anniversary campaign.

Over the past 30 years, the Warren Coalition has quietly supported countless projects and programs in the community, from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which provides free books to children, to the Project Wahoo program that funds community recreational spaces like the splash pad, disc golf courses, and basketball courts. Though many people may not realize the Coalition’s role behind the scenes, these initiatives have had a widespread impact. “We don’t do it for recognition,” Shiflett explained, but they hope the community will help them continue their important work.

Another recent success shared by the Coalition is the positive data from their PRIDE survey, which tracks substance misuse among local youth. According to Shiflett, the latest numbers significantly improve nearly every category, marking the best results since 2016. This is a significant win for the Coalition’s efforts in substance abuse prevention, and they hope to build on this momentum with continued support from the community.

As the Coalition looks ahead, it remains dedicated to filling service gaps and expanding programs. Funds raised during the 30 for 30 in 30 campaign will go toward expanding programming, supporting staff, and meeting the needs of community members, particularly women with children facing housing crises.

With all the exciting activities planned for Celebrate Kids Day and the launch of their ambitious fundraising campaign, the Warren Coalition is eager to continue making a difference in the lives of local families. Shiflett and Brooks encourage everyone to come out on September 29th, enjoy the fun, and help celebrate the kids and the Coalition’s 30 years of service.

For more information about Celebrate Kids Day or to donate to the Coalition’s 30 for 30 in 30 campaign, visit the 15th Street Complex from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 29th. Remember, cash donations are preferred, and it’s a rain-or-shine event, so be prepared for a great time, no matter the weather!