District to host summer activity fair

Second annual event set for April 27

Amherst Exempted Village Schools will host its second annual Parent Info Night from 5-7 p.m., April 27, at Powers Elementary School, 393 S. Lake St.

The summer activity fair will feature over 30 vendors to encourage parents to get their youngsters involved in summer camps, clubs, sports or volunteer opportunities.

“Summer activities are important because it keeps youth engaged and busy,” said Amherst Schools Assistant Superintendent Sarah Walker. “I’m a working parent myself, so I know that finding my kids something to do outside of the home keeps them moving and socializing with their peers.

“It’s just good for their mental and social health.”

There also will be face painting and a photo booth, organizers said.

The Amherst police and fire departments will allow students to tour their squad cars, cruisers and other vehicles as well as share information about summer safety.

“The turnout and participation that we had last year exceeded all my expectations,” Walker said. “There were a lot of really cool interactive displays that our vendors set up, so it was truly a fun time for everyone.”

Walker said the district originally planned the inaugural fair for 2020.

“Our plan was to have the first summer activity fair of April of 2020, but however, that didn’t happen,” she said. “We contacted all the vendors we had registered with our plans to try again the next year, and they were all on board.”

The vendors at the fair are from throughout Lorain and Erie counties, Walker said.

“One of the things we get asked most from families, is how to keep their kids busy in the summer or what is available for them to get

involved in,” she said. “Our goal was to gather programs and organizations in the area, and allow for information to be shared between the two parties.”

In addition to activities that help students stay active, Amherst Schools counselors will provide packets and materials to be completed at home.

“They will provide activity packets for families based on kids’ ages so families can have something they can do together at home,” Walker said. “Last year, our counselors also had their own game areas set up so they can connect with students while speaking to parents.”