By Emily Jaycox For the Independent
Stettler Connect’s first annual Early Years Fair, a free event for families with children aged zero to six, will be held at the Hub from 1 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19.
The Hub is located on the top floor of the recreation centre.
“Our hope is that this is a one-stop-shop type of event where families can seek out information and have any of their questions answered that are specific to their children, whether it’s regarding development, playschool programs or extra curricular activities,” said Morgan Hiller via email.
Hiller is the coordinator of the Stettler Regional Early Child Development Committee (SRECDC) and the primary contact for Stettler Connects.
There will be multiple learning stations and families will have the opportunity to connect with various services, agencies and programs and have some fun while they’re at it.
Participating service providers include the Stettler Public Library, Stettler ParentLink Centre, Sharebear Playschool, Start Right Playschool Program, Stettler Regional Child Care Centre, Clearview School Division, Children’s Rehabilitation Services, the RCMP and Dual Dragons Taekwondo.
Every vendor will be providing an interactive activity.
Children will have a chance to get their picture taken with Marshall from the Paw Patrol show.
The Adventure Bus, a full-sized school bus that has been converted into a mini gym, will be at the fair.
“[The Adventure Bus] provides high-quality, innovative, enjoyable programs that enrich children in their movement education.”
The bus is equipped with a zip line, monkey bars, climbing rope, climbing wall, a mini trampoline, parachutes, tunnels and more, all inside the bus.
There are also door prizes and items from the Toy Lending Library.
“The Toy Lending Library is a hidden gem,” said Hiller.
It provides access to a variety of age-appropriate, developmental toys for local families and caregivers.
Items can be borrowed for up to a week for a $10 rental deposit, which is refunded when items are returned clean.
(SRECDC), which has 12 active members comprised of community stakeholders, works together to support the development of children and families in the Town and County of Stettler.
Its purpose is to work with other programs and services in the community to support early childhood development events for children and their families.
A directory of community services and agencies can be found at stettlerconnects.com.
Visit the Stettler Connects Facebook page for more updates about this event.