By Sheri Trusty, Seneca County Media Relations Coordinator
Seneca County Family & Children First Council (FCFC) hosted Family Fest on June 22 to provide local families a free day of fun. The event was held at Hedges Boyer Park, giving families access to the park’s all-inclusive playground and the Tiffin City Pool.
“The purpose is kids having fun and giving families resources,” said FCFC Director Sandy Hallett. “We have at least 20 vendors here, and most of them are from our council.”
Ohio law mandates that every county establish an FCFC as a means of streamlining government services for families and creating a collaborative effort amongst state and local government, communities and families to ensure families have sufficient support to thrive. According to the Seneca County FCFC website, its goal is to “achieve, through community collaboration, an effective and comprehensive system which empowers families and children to proactively affect their lives, resulting in enhanced family stability.”
On June 22, FCFC fulfilled its mission with a whole lot of fun. Children enjoyed inflatables, free Kona Ice, face painting and pottery painting. Local law enforcement and fire department staff greeted families and hosted a touch-a-truck event. Families picked up giveaways and resource information from a variety of vendors, including OhioRISE, Help Me Grow and Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP).
“We have a ton of resources here,” Hallett said.
Among the vendors was Bridges Preparatory Academy which was advertising its school carnival on July 31. The event will feature a dunk tank, caricature artist, bounce house, face painting, slushies and food. To RSVP for the event, visit https://bpatiffin.org/event/school-carnival/.
Seneca County Commissioner Bill Frankart, who is a member of the Seneca County FCFC council, attended the event to connect with families and vendors.
“The Family & Children First Council had a fantastic event. It was definitely a great turnout seeing all the families enjoying themselves with all the great activities,” Frankart said. “It definitely was a great community event. We really appreciate all the volunteers who showed up to help make this a successful day.”
The Seneca County Commissioners celebrate the long, colorful history of Seneca County, which celebrates its 200th birthday in 2024.