It’s the best time of the year – Day of Play 2023 is almost here!
For its 12th year, the Day of Play Family Festival is once again ready to unite the Greater Worcester Community for another activity-filled day of learning, growing, and playing together.
12 years of play
Not only is this the 12th year of Day of Play, but it also happens to coincide with Edward Street’s 140th anniversary. The goal of Day of Play is simple: unite the community through the power of play.
The key to Day of Play’s success? The need that it meets for the members of the community. Over the last 12 years, Day of Play has had many participants of all ages. As they grow older, those same kids who once played have started volunteering to help run the festival.
It’s a full circle moment for many who witnessed the kids grow up and thrive through the power of play. Last year, a senior from Bancroft School volunteered after remembering how much enjoyment he got out of attending Day of Play festivals as a child.
Day of Play was able to endure the global pandemic, and came back stronger than ever in September of last year with the first in-person event in two years. Inviting members of the community to play proves that play has no age limit, and that the festival is as important to parents and volunteers as it is to children.
A day where play becomes possible
Each year, Day of Play’s theme is centered around a children’s book. This year, the planning committee selected Jayden’s Impossible Garden by Mélina Mangal.
Jayden’s Impossible Garden tells the story of a young boy bringing the beauty of nature and gardening to his community. It urges readers to see the nature and growth in their own neighborhoods, and to unite to build something together.
To celebrate, the Regional Environment Council will read Jayden’s Impossible Garden aloud and lead children in a gardening activity. Attendees will receive copies of last year’s pick, Daniel’s Good Day to grow the libraries in their own homes.
Additionally, the Worcester Public Library will be in attendance, encouraging people to sign up for Libby (WPL’s mobile library), as well as the summer reading program.
Activities for everyone to enjoy
Day of Play is thrilled to welcome back returning organizations with new activities as well as brand new performers and community organizations. Join us for this free, volunteer-based festival with over 50 events for the whole family to enjoy together.
The festival features seven play areas: Active, Construction, Creative Arts, Health & Wellness, Mindfulness, Reading, and STEM. Play participants will have the opportunity to pick activities and areas that they are interested in to explore.
Performers this year include Crocodile River Music, the Traditional Lion Dancers, Chuck & Mud (and Buds), ACE Drummers, In Da Zone, and Francis Flynn, the Magician.
Kids can expect a special visit from Jake the Lion (from the Bravehearts) and the Tooth Fairy!
Those interested in STEM will have the opportunity to code a robot and make small push rockets. Home Depot will join us to host a building and take project, Creative Hub will present a printing activity, and QCC’s Department of Child Study is hosting a unique way to paint different size balls.
These are just a few of the exciting activities and special guests scheduled – stay tuned for more and exciting updates by visiting the Day of Play website and Facebook page!
Get Involved: Visit https://www.worcesterdayofplay.org/get-involved to learn more!
Thank you to all the sponsors, volunteers, and organizations who help make the 2023 Day of Play happen!
Day of Play is truly a communal effort. This festival couldn’t happen every year without the wonderful community.
The Day of Play Family Festival Planning Committee includes representatives from Worcester Family Partnership, YWCA of Central Massachusetts, Worcester Child Development Head Start, Worcester Area Association for the Education of Young Children, Worcester Comprehensive Education & Care, Worcester Division of Public Health, and Quinsigamond Community College. Each year, the planning committee seeks out opportunities to bring more community organizations and new ideas to the festival. For guest comfort this year, there will be more restroom facilities and a water station hosted by Cleartide Hydration.
This year’s Day of Play Family Festival has been funded and supported by the following organizations, local businesses, and nonprofits:
- Presenting Sponsors: Edward Street, Worcester Family Partnership
- Play Area Sponsors: Harr Automotive Group, Worcester Division of Public Health & the REACH Grant
- Activity Sponsors: Eastern Bank, Guild of St. Agnes, Hanover Insurance Group Foundation, National Grid, Tufts Health Plan, WebsterFive Foundation, Wegmans
- Contributing Sponsors: Avidia Bank, Baystate Savings Bank, Berkshire Bank, Country Bank, Middlesex Savings Bank, Seven Hills Foundation
- Supporting Sponsors: Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, Cornerstone Bank, Herlihy Insurance Group, MAAEYC, Price Chopper | Market 32, Smileland of Westborough, YWCA of Central MA
This year’s festival is also supported by an ARPA Grant from the City of Worcester.
Mark your calendar! June 17th
Edward Street is thrilled to welcome everyone to the 2023 Day of Play Family Festival on Saturday, June 17th from 11am-4pm at Elm Park in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Rain Date - June 18th
We cannot wait to bring everyone together through the power of play.
See you there!