Playhouse BuildFest 2016

colettewinkler
Mar 20, 2016
2 min read

Photo courtesy of The Children's Playhouse

Last year's BuildFest was an absolute blast, as is clearly shown in this promo video! Kathy Parham, Executive Director of The Children's Playhouse, is busily planning this year's event, and I am enjoying learning so much from her as I complete my shadow assignment for a fundraising course.

The North Carolina Science Festival will be joining the Playhouse in holding this annual free event Saturday, April 9 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Watauga High School. There will be a “soft open” from 9-10 a.m. for children with special needs.

BuildFest is an event that proves that learning can be fun.

Hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) activities are exciting and engaging for children. Last year's BuildFest had close to 40 STEAM activities and featured 40 hands-on activities, as well as a live physics and chemistry show.

A successful turn-out of 1,000 adults and children aged preschool through sixth grade at last year's BuildFest proved that the event is a true community effort. Local businesses and philanthropists sponsored the event at varying levels, showing once again that BuildFest is not possible without support from the community.

Community support is also reflected by the wonderful volunteers that run BuildFest. Last year's four digit attendance could not have been managed without the help of over 100 volunteers and sponsors. To learn how to become a sponsor, click here.

This year's BuildFest is looking for 25-40 Activity Partners, groups that will plan and staff activities at the event. To learn more or sign up, click here. At least 50 Event Volunteers will also be needed throughout the day to help for two or more hours. Tasks may include set-up and clean-up, running activities planned by the Playhouse, and selling food. To sign up, click here.