Celebrating Children Event Returns April 29 at Mt. Trashmore Park

Celebrating Children Event Returns April 29 at Mt. Trashmore Park

The City of Virginia Beach, GrowSmart and Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation are co-sponsoring the 2023 Celebrating Children event on Saturday, April 29, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Mt. Trashmore Park.

Celebrating Children is a FREE family-friendly event that brings awareness to Child Abuse Prevention and the Month of the Military Child. The event features a fun run, DJ, inflatables, children's activities and community exhibitors.

Dr. Caitlin Pedati, director of the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health (VBDPH), will be onsite to welcome families and kick-off the fun run. Community partners include VBDPH offering onsite dental screenings, home visiting services and WIC information; Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore's mobile market; Virginia Beach Public Library's storywalk; Virginia Beach City Public Schools pre-k program and Reading Bus, plus WHRO and much more!

"Virginia Beach GrowSmart's vision is for all children to be born healthy, start kindergarten ready to learn, and to read proficiently by third grade," said GrowSmart Coordinator Barb Lito. "We know this builds a strong foundation for future success in school and life. Healthy children grow up in the context of healthy families, and healthy families are supported in healthy communities. We invite you to come out to have fun and connect to the community resources for families and children that will be available."

To learn more about Celebrating Children 2023 and to register for the Fun Run, visit www.vbgrowsmart.com/celebrating-children.

About GrowSmart

GrowSmart is operated through the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development and exists to promote and improve the healthy development, school readiness and reading proficiency of young children ages 0-8. In addition to providing resources for parents and families, GrowSmart offers programming to ensure the availability of high-quality early education. Visit www.vbgrowsmart.com for more information.