Together We Grow: Family First Festival

October 15, 2025

Original coverage in the Fulton County Democrat by Alexis Clark (subscription required).

The Canton Family YMCA was filled with laughter, learning, and the aroma of delicious pizza on October 8 as families gathered for “Together We Grow: Families First Festival”, an early childhood event that celebrated the power of play and connection.

Hosted by Birth to Five Illinois: Region 26, in partnership with the Home Child Care Network and the Canton Family YMCA, the event aimed to bring families together for an evening of fun and hands-on learning. The focus was on promoting family time, teaching parents about early childhood development, and helping children explore new ways to learn and express themselves.

Fun and Learning

Inside the YMCA, a variety of booths were set up by local organizations, each offering a different activity designed to engage young minds. Children could test their balance on colorful stepping rocks, dig through sensory bins, sculpt homemade play dough, and play the always-popular "Guess What's in the Bag." At other tables, activities encouraged children to identify emotions and learn self-regulation skills through play.

Community Partnership

The event featured an impressive lineup of community partners, including Early Beginnings, Children's Home Caregiver Connections, CAPCIL Head Start/Early Head Start, YWCA, SAL Child Care Connections of Central Illinois, Way to Grow Pediatrics, Trinity Lutheran/TLC Sensory Place, Fulton County Health Department, Spoon River College, Canton Park District, Parlin-Ingersoll Library, Graham Health System Pediatric Speech Therapy.

Each organization brought something unique to the table—whether it was a creative activity for kids or valuable information for caregivers about resources available in Fulton County. Between activities, families shared pizza from Monical's, which kept everyone fueled for the fun, with bananas and water rounding out the family-friendly refreshments.

The event's goal was simple yet powerful: to promote family time and help parents learn more about child development, emotional regulation, and community resources - all while having fun together!

Pictured below: Robert Kensinger, Birth to Five Illinois: Region 26 Action Council Member, and Director of Career and Technical Grants and Programs at Spoon River College