From a karate demonstration, “touch a truck,” an inflatable slide and plenty of information to keep attendees and their families healthy, the fourth annual Bristol Family Resource Fair offered a little something for everyone.

Bristol Warren Thrive By 5 and Beyond and the Bristol Parks and Recreation Department’s hosted the event last Saturday at the Quinta-Gamelin Community Center on Asylum Road. The program of events included touch a truck, inflatable slide, an animal adventures show, Cat Country 98.1 FM & Jake the Cat, color for fun, “Drastic Measures” a capella group, prize drawings, Cricket Kids music, and Bristol’s Best Martial Arts karate demonstration.

Fair organizers and founders of the local Thrive by 5 and Beyond group, Emily Pearce Spence and Donna Ramos Razza, once again partnered with Bristol Parks and Recreation to expand the fair’s offerings to the community. They said they were pleased with the results, particularly the turnout.

“Today's fair exceeded our expectations with more than 900 people in attendance,” said Ms. Spence, coordinator of the Bristol Health Equity Zone and program manager of Parents As Teachers. “It was a huge success. Donna and I both heard many comments from people in attendance about the wealth of resources they gathered today, as well as the fun that their families had at the touch a truck, face painting, inflatable slide, and all of the demonstrations and shows.”

Ms. Razza, director of Family Development at East Bay Community Action Program, was also excited by the success of this year’s event.

“Thanks to the fair committee, all the volunteers, vendors, businesses and individuals who donated, and Bristol Parks and Recreation who worked so hard,” she said. “They all make this fair what it is each year. I am so lucky to get to work with them. Emily is key to pulling this all together. I do not know how we would do it without her.”

Nearly 1,000 people attended this year’s fair, which featured 44 vendors providing fun activities and sharing resources available for families in the community.

“Bristol Warren has so many great resources available to individuals and families,” Ms. Razza said. “Our goal is to have a fun day were they can learn about these resources. I think we accomplished that today.”

Bristol Warren Thrive By 5 and Beyond is a coordinated network of collaborating agencies which support families in their efforts to help all children become successful learners. Bristol Warren Thrive By 5 and Beyond was co-founded by members of the Bristol Warren Regional School District Family Resource Center and the East Bay Community Action Program in April 2013. For more information, email bristolwarrenthriveby5@gmail.com.