Families come out for 3rd Street festival

Balloons, booths and bluegrass filled Third Street Park on Saturday.

The Celebration of Families festival, sponsored by Monroe County Step Ahead, was a one-day festival dedicated to providing residents with information about family-oriented agencies in Monroe County, along with free food and drinks, interactive games and live entertainment.

“The whole celebration is connecting families with resources in the community,” said Sue Sgambelluri, volunteer for the family selection committee for Habitat for Humanity, one of the organizations at the event.

“The festival allows parents to find something for their kids, whether it is an activity, event or camp,” she said.

The Habitat for Humanity booth provided information on the organization for parents and coloring for children.

Sgambelluri said she had already interacted with several potential partner families. She also mentioned that many kids drew pictures of houses at the Habitat for Humanity booth.

“It is interesting to sit and watch different kids interact in different ways,” she said. “No matter what a kid’s gifts are, whether it be physical or creative, there’s something here for them.”

Sophomore Alli Webb, a Habitat for Humanity volunteer, said she noticed all the children were enjoying the activities, especially dancing onstage with Dora the Explorer and Winnie the Pooh, who made special appearances.

“It is nice to see all the families, and it’s nice just to sit out here on such a great day,” she said.

Along with coloring at the Habitat for Humanity booth, children could hula hoop with Big Brothers Big Sisters, moon bounce at the Boys and Girls Club area and pet dogs at the Monroe County Humane Association’s booth.

The sunny, 70-degree weather convinced many Bloomington residents to make an appearance at the festival. Children roamed around the park carrying balloons and wearing firefighter hats from the Bloomington Fire Department booth. Some climbed trees and the jungle gym, while others danced to music by a local bluegrass band.

Kelly Brinkley, a Bloomington mother of three, said this was her first time attending the Celebration of Families festival.

“The kids and I are having a really good time,” she said. “They like all of the crafts, and Pooh has definitely been a hit.”

Brinkley said although she has lived in Bloomington for eight years, she wasn’t aware of all the organizations that provided family resources.

“I’ve enjoyed learning about these programs I wasn’t aware of, and I will definitely use them,” she said.