Children First Day, an annual Harrisonburg event that draws thousands of local families each year, will be held at EMU’s University Commons Saturday, Sept. 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
TV-3 staff make a grand entrance at Children First Day, arriving in front of University Commons on a horse-drawn cart. (Courtesy TV-3)
Sponsored primarily by TV-3 (WHSV) and with help from corporate sponsorships, families have enjoyed this fun-filled event, geared toward children, since 1996.
Event becoming EMU tradition
2010 will mark the fourth consecutive year EMU has hosted the fun afternoon, which will include demonstrations, crafts, great food, a petting zoo, special shows, and more. Community groups will also be on hand with safety and health information for those attending. (Interested vendors should note the event is free.)
Each year dozens of area vendors set up in the gym of University Commons. (Courtesy TV-3)
Each year, several thousand children and family members spent the day on EMU’s campus. More than 200 EMU faculty, staff and student volunteers participate in the event.
Lynn Veurink, assistant director of auxiliary services at EMU, considered the day to be a huge success.
“Children First Day is truly a great opportunity to give back to the children of the Shenandoah Valley. It allows for community organizations, as well as EMU faculty, staff and students, to work along side each other toward a common goal and a very worthwhile endeavor. There is fun to be had by all!” said Veurink.
Contact Lynn Veurink at (540) 432-4663 to volunteer or for more information.