More Honors for Play2Learn Festival
Accolades are rolling in for the Harrison Public Library Foundation’s Play2Learn Festival, scheduled for Sunday, September 10 from 11 AM to 3 PM in Riis Park outside the library. County Executive Rob Astorino has proclaimed the date “Harrison Public Library Play2Learn Festival Day” in Westchester County and is scheduled to deliver the proclamation in person shortly after the event opens at 11 AM.
Westchester Magazine named the Play2Learn Festival “Best New Children’s Festival” in its popular “Best of Westchester” section of the magazine’s July issue. In making the award, the magazine said, “Don’t tell the kids, but they can learn while they play. The HPL Play2Learn Festival features dozens of hands-on activities.”
The Play2Learn Festival celebrates the importance of play in a child’s life. It’s free to the public and kids (and parents) will have the opportunity to play at the Bubble Bus, make scratch animal masks, construct Dr. Seuss characters with Legos, create a tornado in a bottle, play a variety of musical instruments, and dance Kid Zumba. Over 25 activities will occur in eight play zones. Popular food vendors will sell refreshments and musical entertainment will be ongoing.
“We’re so happy the County Executive and Westchester Magazine have recognized the Play2Learn Festival,” says Library Director Galina Chernykh. “The feedback from last year’s festival was overwhelmingly positive and we’re working hard to top it this year.”
Play is serious business for kids. It contributes to their cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being and the Play2Learn Festival is designed to expose them to a wide variety of play activities. It also gives parents an ideal opportunity to engage fully with their children.
“Funding the Play2Learn Festival may be one of the most important ways the Harrison Public Library Foundation supports the library,” according to HPLF President Dave Donelson. The foundation sponsors the event through donations from numerous Westchester companies and individuals. This year, Fidelity Investments and Willow Ridge Country Club are banner sponsors while a growing roster of donors join them to support the event and keep it free for the public.