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The date has been set for Children & Youth Partnership’s 13^th Annual KidsFest event. This festival for young children will be held on Friday, May 6, 2022, at Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Children, parents, grandparents and childcare programs are invited to participate in a morning of music, games, crafts, exploration and play activities, all for free.

“Despite having been put on hold due to the pandemic for the last two years, Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County (CYP) is thrilled to be able to return to Festival Park in-person this year to bring this exciting outdoor celebration of young children back to the Dare County community,” stated a CYP press release.

Event attendees can anticipate over 40 play opportunities for young children (ages birth-five) including bubbles, costumed characters, a variety of arts and crafts, police cars, Buster the School Bus, snowballs, the Rootle Roadster Tour and more.

“In an effort to ensure the safety of all attendees and exhibitors, activities will be spread throughout the grounds to minimize crowding, additional sanitizing stations will be provided for all, and exhibitors will be asked to wear a mask throughout the event,” stated the release. “KidsFest has become a much-anticipated event celebrating Dare County’s young children and promoting the importance of play in developing their minds and imaginations. Readi­ness for school is more than basic knowledge of language and math and includes all facets of development: physical, cognitive, social, and emotional competencies.”

Play and positive play environments allow opportunities for children to discover, create, imagine, explore and experience materials that will foster language skills, writing, cooperation and scientific and mathematical concepts, stated CYP.

“The Outer Banks is a beautiful place for young children to connect with nature and develop a love for the outdoors and all that it offers in our community,” stated the release.

Children & Youth Partnership (CYP) is currently seeking exhibitors to be a part of KidsFest 2022 by presenting an activity that is child-friendly and age-appropriate for young children up to the age of five.

Those who don’t have an activity for kids but want to be involved are asked to contact CYP about volunteering or sponsoring the event at 252-441-0614.

“CYP will be monitoring local, state and federal guidelines for the most recent recommendations for events as KidsFest draws near. Follow CYP on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cypdarekids for updates regarding KidsFest and other CYP-related activities,” stated the release.

Children and Youth Partnership is a non-profit organization serving children, youth and families in Dare County. CYP administers the Smart Start program for Dare County for children birth through age five and is a source of information about activities, programs and resources for all children and their caregivers.

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