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WILKES-BARRE — The Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA held its fifth annual winter carnival Sunday, bringing in community families for an afternoon of fun and education.
The event was sponsored by the organization’s childcare department and provided an array of family-friendly fun, including games, live music, face painting and a bounce house.
The dance program from the YMCA — the Live. Love. Dance. Studio — set up an obstacle course for children to complete in addition to the other activities. Tux, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins mascot, also made an appearance.
Children filled one of two gymnasiums on the second floor of the facility, while adults were able to enjoy more than 30 local vendors and shop in the other.
YMCA officials said it was a good turnout, bringing a nice closing to what was a week-long event.
“The turnout’s been great,” said Jennifer Brennan, who is the organization’s childcare director. “A lot of families have come in, which is what we were going for — things to do for families, for children and adults.”
While music could be heard from local band Broken Road, adults visited with the vendors, choosing from handmade soaps and decorative home pieces to handcrafted jewelry and homemade foods. Tickets were also available to purchase for a chance at winning one of 14 basket raffles.
Proceeds from the event will go to the YMCA’s childcare program which will be investing into classroom supplies. The program is working toward earning its third star in the Keystone Starts Program – a statewide early learning initiative.
A scholastic book sale was held on the facility’s first floor. Six bookshelves and two tables were filled with books for children ranging in age from pre-K to third grade.
Childcare coordinator Trisch Madaya, who has been with the program for almost 20 years, said children have been — and always will be — a focal point for the organization.
“We do it because of the kids, it’s what we care about,” she said. “We’re a part of this community, so we try to bring in families and give them something they can do together. Whatever they contribute, we try to put back out into the community to help better families and the area as a whole.”
