Lights On Afterschool, Fall Festival attracts community members and families
The Children’s Trust of Alachua County celebrated its fourth annual Lights On Afterschool event on Oct. 24, marking the 25th celebration nationwide. The fall festival attracted a large turnout at the spacious fields of the Boys & Girls Club located in northwest Gainesville, including representation from six of the Trust’s seven funded afterschool providers, plus community organizations and families.
The executive director of the Children’s Trust of Alachua County, Marsha Kiner, and Deonte Lee, the director of Boys & Girls Club northwest Gainesville site, spoke to the crowd and highlighted the vital role of afterschool care and express gratitude to the community for attending the event. County Commissioner Ken Cornell, also vice chair of the board for the Children’s Trust, presented the county’s proclamation declaring Lights On Afterschool Day. He even recruited two young helpers to lead the crowd in stating “Whereas” at the beginning of each section – and the group from Deeper Purpose Kids Academy were the loudest bunch on the bleachers!
Once the ceremony concluded, two talented afterschool participants from Gainesville Circus Center took the stage and captivated the audience with stilt walking, juggling and acrobatics. The young artists impressed the crowd, and especially the children gathered, many who asked for autographs after the show!
As the presentations concluded, there was still plenty of fun to be had. Activities included face painting, games like a pumpkin ring toss and potato sack races, dancing, balloon art, and bounce houses.
“On behalf of the Trust and myself, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of the community members and families who joined us for Lights On Afterschool,” said Marsha Kiner, executive director of the Children’s Trust. “We would also like to give a special thank you to the team at the Boys & Girls Club for their dedication and hard work in organizing such a wonderful event.”
Written by Miranda Rodriguez, Communications Intern
