Hundreds of community members filled the field of the Bristol Arts and Ideas Magnet School (BAIMS) on Saturday to celebrate the first Bristol Family Fun Day.
“We are so pleased with how the event turned out,” said Making Bristol Better Parent Ambassador Jennifer St. John. “We had so many fantastic vendors who really went above and beyond to make this a fun event for all. We were blown away with how many people attended and can’t wait to start planning for next year.”
The day was filled with a wide array of activities and attractions to cater to the diverse interests of attendees. The touch-a-truck event featured emergency and large transport vehicles from Bristol Health EMS, D’Amato Construction and Gaski Energy. Two fire engines from the Bristol Fire Department, including a towering ladder truck, were onsite, as well as the Barnes fire safety trailer for children to learn more about fire safety.
The weather was ideal for a summer day outdoors, with bright sunshine and temperatures hovering around 80 degrees. Children had the opportunity to cool off and frolic in a sea of bubbles courtesy of a foam party provided by Rolling Video Games.
The touch-a-truck event. | Laura Bailey photos
Children having fun at Family Fun Day. | Laura Bailey photos
“It’s good to see so many families outside and having fun,” said Bristol Early Childhood Alliance Coordinator Donna Koser, “that’s what we wanted.”
Children danced to the music played by the DJ as they lined up to have the faces painted with colorful designs. Local organizations that provide services to children and families were onsite, including Wheeler Health and MOVIA Robotics.
Attendees witnessed a spectacle around 11:30 a.m. when a SkyHealth helicopter landed in the middle of the BAIMS field. Kids had the opportunity to sit inside the helicopter and ask the pilots questions about the rotorcraft.
Guests enjoying food at Family Fun Day. | Laura Bailey photos
Visitors patronizing food trucks. | Laura Bailey photos
“I love events like this that bring the community together,” said City Councilor Erick Rosengren. “They got a good turnout today and I hope they get an even bigger crowd next year.”
The culinary delights were plentiful with a selection of local food trucks providing everything from savory dishes to sweet treats, including Kraftwich Foodtruck, Greer’s Chicken and Darens Ice Cream.
Family Fun Day was presented by Making Bristol Better, a local nonprofit that includes the Bristol Early Childhood Alliance and Bristol School Readiness Council, in partnership with United Way of West Central Connecticut. Fostering a sense of togetherness, the event saw an enthusiastic response and will return next summer.
Laura Bailey can be reached at lbailey@bristoledition.org
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