Popular Children's Summit Set For Saturday

Manatee County’s 17th Annual Manatee Children’s Summit, featuring a theme of "Healthy Families-Happy Families," is set for Saturday at the Manatee Convention Center.

The popular summit is the area’s biggest and most informative expo for parents and kids with dozens of local child and family organizations participating. The summit, which drew 10,000 participants last year, includes booths for kids and adults, each encouraging families to make healthy decisions as part of this year’s theme, “Healthy Families-Happy Families.”

Saturday's summit will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Manatee Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. The event is free and open to the public.

“This year we’re focusing on an awareness of healthy eating and healthy habits to share with children and families,” said Manatee County Human Services Manager Mike Neuges. “We’ve got all kinds of activities and booths that will promote healthy habits and alternatives for kids.”

There will be a host of information for parents on child care, after-school care, mentoring programs, substance abuse prevention programs or life skills for children and programs for special needs. Parents may also bring thier children in for free immunizations.

There will be plenty of entertainment including a rock wall, a bounce house, a speed pitch machine and children’s karaoke all day, complete with a D.J. and other fun activities, Neuges said. There will also be bike and pedestrian safety presentations, air bag demonstrations.  Ronald McDonald will be a guest mascot.

Last year more than 10,000 children and adults attended the Children’s Summit. The summit began in 1994 to give residents a better idea of family resources and to give children’s service providers a way to increase community awareness of child and family programming.

Over the years, the Children’s Summit has become a great partnership of government, nonprofit organizations and the private sector. This year, as always, the event is funded through generous donations from local organizations and individuals.

To volunteer or to learn more, call (941) 749-3030 and ask to speak with someone in the Children’s Section. To learn more about the social services Manatee County Government offers children, families and adults, visit www.mymanatee.org/community