fbpx Let’s Play In-Person! Edward Street’s Day of Play Family Festival Returns to Elm Park Saturday, September 17th | Edward Street

Let’s Play In-Person! Edward Street’s Day of Play Family Festival Returns to Elm Park Saturday, September 17th

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

How sweet it is!

After two years of virtual festivals, Edward Street’s Day of Play Family Festival returns to Elm Park on Saturday, September 17th, 11AM-4PM. (The rain date is Sunday, September 18th.)

Join us as we celebrate children and families and the organizations that support them. Free to all, Edward Street’s Day of Play Family Festival features dozens of activities and performances for children ages 3-10.

New WPS Superintendent Dr. Rachel Monárrez and Hanover Theater’s Will Sheerin to lead a community read along

Each year’s Day of Play is centered around a different children’s book and theme. Our book for 2022  is Daniel’s Good Day by Massachusetts’ own Micha Archer.

At 1:00 PM, a community read along of Daniel’s Good Day will be led by new Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Rachel Monárrez and the Hanover Theater’s Will Sheerin, who will pantomime the story.

What does it mean to have a good day? How do the adults in Daniel’s life spend their time? Who will Daniel meet in his travels? Find out on September 17th at Elm Park from 11AM-4PM!

Activities, performances, and positive playtime!

Daniel’s Good Day is just the beginning of what we have in store.

The 2022 Day of Play Family Festival features seven play areas: Active, Reading, Creative Arts, STEM, Construction, Health & Wellness, and a new Mindfulness Play area. Activities in each play area were developed by dozens of local organizations and artists.

Festival performers include Mister Vic, Chuck & Mud, The Hip Swayers, juggler Janoah Bailin, Crocodile River Music, Corey Scott, and Jumpstart. The REC Mobile Veggie Van, Libby (WPL’s Mobile Library), and first responder emergency vehicles will be on hand for children to explore.

The 2022 Day of Play features not one but two parades!

The South High Marching Band will perform at 1:30. The Southeast Asian Coalition Lion Dancers will help close out the festival later in the day.

Introducing a new mindfulness play area for social-emotional wellness

New for 2022 is a unique Mindfulness play area, designed in collaboration with Edward Street Board Member and mindfulness consultant Wendy O’Leary.

The Mindfulness area is a safe space for children and families to explore emotions. Visitors can create “Monster Puppets” that represent the big feelings people may experience in a given day, and practice yoga.

Thank you to the volunteers, businesses and organizations who made the 2022 Day of Play possible

We’re so grateful for our collaborators and supporters in the community!

The Day of Play Family Festival Planning Committee includes representatives from Worcester Family Partnership, YWCA of Central Massachusetts, Worcester Child Development Head Start, Worcester Area Association for the Education of Young Children, and Quinsigamond Community College.

Funding for the 2022 Day of Play has been generously provided by local businesses and nonprofit organizations, including:

  • Presenting Sponsors: Worcester Family Partnership and the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care
  • Activity Sponsors: Eastern Bank, Hanover Insurance Group Foundation, Guild of St. Agnes, and the Webster Five Foundation
  • Contributing Sponsors: Berkshire Bank, Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, Coalition for a Healthy Greater Worcester, Country Bank, Middlesex Savings Bank, Price Chopper, and Wegmans
  • Supporting Sponsors: Cornerstone Bank, Worcester County Chapter of MAAEYC, and YWCA of Central MA.

We hope to see you on September 17th, 11AM-4PM, at Elm Park

All are welcome at Elm Park for Edward Street’s Day of Play Family Festival. Enjoy fun activities, food, and appearances by local businesses and organizations.

Keep in mind, the rain date is Sunday, September 18th.

Can’t make it on September 17th? Day of Play activities can be accessed year-round at worcesterdayofplay.org.

See you Elm Park and see you online!

Edward Street is proud to support high-quality, accessible early learning and care. Donate today so children and families can thrive, and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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