BERRIEN SPRINGS — This fall, Berrien Regional Education Service Agency (Berrien RESA) will be hosting its third annual countywide event for families and children wishing to learn more about educational programs offered in their community.

The event, the Berrien RESA Festival of Families, will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 at the Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds in Berrien Springs.

The Festival of Families will feature a resource expo where families can learn about a variety of community programs and services designed to help their children thrive.

“We had such a successful event last year,” said Berrien RESA Supt. Dr. Kevin Ivers. “The Festival of Families provided a networking and resource opportunity for over 1,500 people throughout Berrien County. If you are looking for information about early child development, K-12 education, advanced programming, special education opportunities and higher education, this event is for you.”

Through conversations with their constituents, Berrien RESA learned that families are seeking a one-stop source for information and tools to help their children be successful in all areas of their development. Families said they wanted to learn more about community athletic opportunities, financial literacy, career and technical education, resources about transitional needs, and occupational and volunteer opportunities. Therefore, Berrien RESA established the Festival of Families, providing such a resource for families of children ages 0-26.

The Festival of Families will also feature carnival games and activities that are accessible to children of all abilities.

During the event a variety of local entertainment acts will perform (including the Bridgman Glee Club and the CW Robotarians), face painters and a balloon artist will be on site. Children will be able to create make-it/take-it art projects, visit with animals from Sarett Nature Center, enjoy hands-on activities offered by the Curious Kids Museum as well as participate in a communitywide “Arts for All” painting project.

Also offered during the Festival will be exercise demonstrations offered by the YMCA of Buchanan/Niles, and the canine unit sponsored by the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department will be on hand for a meet and greet.

Lunch options will be available for purchase.

Event sponsors include Berrien RESA, First Student Inc., Chemical Bank, Honor Credit Union, United Federal Credit Union, Berrien County Youth Fair, Scott Berry Promotions, Lakeland Health, Competitive Edge, Art & Image, Beaudoin Electrical Construction, Prime Table Restaurant, Martins Super Markets, South Bend Cubs, St. Joseph Today, New Country 99.9, Mark III, Celebration Cinema, Krasl Art Center, and the Silver Beach Carousel Society.

The event and all activities are free-of-charge. Pre-arranged shuttle service throughout Berrien County will also be available (at no cost to families). Please contact Karen Heath at (269) 471-7725 ext. 1147 to request transportation. For more information about the Festival, please visit www.berrienresa.org.