RLC Foundation Children’s Center getting involved in Warrior Fest

INA, Ill. (Sept. 4, 2015) - The young and the young-at-heart will find a variety of activities at the Rend Lake College Foundation Children’s Center (RLCFCC) on Saturday, Sept. 19, during Warrior Fest. The second annual event will feature Big Truck Day, inflatables, free services for children, and much more.

Back by popular demand is Big Truck Day, scheduled for 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the west parking lot outside the center. Confirmed attendees include two semi-trucks, a combine, a tractor, a police car, a dump truck, a side-dump semi, an ambulance from Litton Ambulance Services in Mt. Vernon, a tow truck from Christian’s Towing in Mt. Vernon, a cement mixer from Odin Concrete, a mantrip coal mining shuttle, and many more.

“Big Truck Day is always a big draw for children in the community,” said Rene Crouse, RLCFCC Pre-K Head Teacher. “Children and parents can climb on and sit in the different trucks and machines all day. Many of the drivers are also there to talk about their truck and give the children that hands-on learning experience. We love hosting this event to see all the smiling faces.”

New to the lineup of children’s activities this year is a tethered hot air balloon belonging to Jennifer Witzel of Mt. Vernon. The balloon will be located near the Children’s Center and children will have the opportunity to sit in the balloon with an adult. The hot air balloon will not be offering rides during Warrior Fest.

Located outside the RLCFCC will be three inflatables: a mega slide, a Velcro wall, and a hoop shoot. RLC’s Project CHILD will also be in the west parking lot to offer car seat safety checks. Children will have the opportunity feed a number of farm animals at the petting zoo, hosted by Melissa Lamczyk of Franklin County’s Ag in the Classroom program. A cow, calf, and goats will be located on the south side of the RLCFCC. The RLC Thespians will offer face painting for anyone interested.

A silent auction will fill the hallways of the Children’s Center to raise money for playground renovations and door prizes will be available for those in attendance. The winners of the silent auction will be announced at 12:30 p.m., and winners must be in attendance. Dental Safari will be performing free dental checks in the toddler classroom.

Throughout the day, parents of students who attend the Children’s Center will also have a great chance to meet the center’s teachers and staff, and tour the facility. A pre-registration sign up for potential students in the spring will also be available. The RLCF Children’s Center has been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children for more than a decade.

“The Children’s Center is the happiest place on Earth, and we invite you to come see why,” said Crouse. “With all of the free children’s activities and events going on, it’s going to be an awesome Saturday to spend with your little ones and family.”

For additional information about the children’s events or Big Truck Day, contact Rene Crouse at 618-437-5321, Ext. 7627 or crousere@rlc.edu.