Celebration of Children Saturday at Mall of Monroe

MONROE — The Celebration of Children festival, featuring science shows and free books, will be held from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at the Mall of Monroe, 2121 N. Monroe St. The festival is based on the longtime Celebrate Children festival, which was offered until 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It is still the same concept (as before), however there will be some different entertainment this year," said Nicki Eyler, secretary of the Child Advocacy Network .

"There won’t be a massive cookie this year since the Mrs. Fields closed. New is a car seat check happening prior to the event; folks have to register for that."

Also new is a martial arts demonstration.

Celebration of Children is for area families and is hosted by the mall and the CAN of Monroe County. It offers free activities, games, vendors and entertainment. This year's entertainment includes The Four Gs from Marian Place. The Four Gs stand for Grumpy Grandpas and Great Grannies. Other entertainers will demonstrate martial arts and dancing. A guest reader also will attend.

Jason Lindsey from Hooked on Science will offer shows at 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.

The first 400 children to arrive will receive a free tote bag and a free lunch. Free books and comic books will be available for all children.

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Free dental treatments will be offered, including fluoride varnish treatments and teeth cleanings.

Free car seat inspections are available. Seats will be inspected by certified child passenger safety technicians. Expectant moms are welcome. For an appointment, visit bit.ly/48Mb6io .

To learn more about Celebration of Children, email cancouncilmonroe@gmail.com .

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Celebration of Children Saturday at Mall of Monroe