For the 50 years that Weekday Education has served children and families, laughter and fun have always been at the forefront. Creating times where great memories could be made is almost second nature to the program’s staff. So as the climax to marking the 50th anniversary, children and their families, staff members, and friends from Thomasville and the surrounding community took advantage of a beautiful Saturday, May 16, to celebrate The Fun-tastic Festival.
“It was amazing to see so many come out,” Weekday Education director Linda Russo said. “More than 600 showed up and had a great time.”
Rows of children who attend the program took center stage as they sang a “Happy Birthday Medley.” As they concluded, Callie – a third generation child participant in the program – popped out of a large, three tier cardboard birthday cake to the applause of those attending.
The Bubble Dude and Stilt Man worked the crowd amazing the children with their antics. An inflatable church bounce house, cupcake treats, bags of popcorn, crafts, face painting, and a hot dog lunch made it a time all will remember.
Parents of children attending felt it was one of the best events they had attended for families. “Serving as director during the 50 anniversary has been humbling,” Russo said. “So many children and families have passed through our doors and been blessed.”
Fun inflatables were a highligth for the children.
Children congregate around Bubble Dude as he entertained the crowd making bubbles of every size.
Former Weekday Education director Mary Lou Dickey read to children and entertained them
with puppets. Dickey retired after serving 35 years as the second director,
following the founding director Elizabeth Wagoner.
Weekday Education staff members (Left, Josie; center, Norma; and right, Jodie)
cheer and dance as the day’s celebration heats up.
Weekday Education children Skye and Aiden pause during the festivities
to enjoy birthday celebration cupcakes.
Just at the right moment, after the Weekday Education children sang "Happy Birthday", seven-year-old Callie popped from the top of a three layered, cardboard birthday cake to everyone's surprise.
Callie is the third generation from her family to attend the program.
Her dad and aunt as well as her grandfather have all attended the Weekday Education program.