Each spring, families from across the region gather at Green Hill Park for the Blue Ridge Kite Festival, a longtime community tradition that draws nearly 10,000 attendees and fills the sky with color, energy, and connection.
This year, UWVBR and Ready Region West were proud to be part of that experience for the fourth year, creating a space where families could stop, play, and connect.
Throughout the day, the UWVBR and Ready Region West booth became a hub of activity. Kids gathered to play with bubbles and hula hoops, take turns at the prize wheel, and choose from a variety of small prizes, from books and coloring supplies to fidgets and other favorites. The energy was constant, with families returning repeatedly to be part of the experience.
Behind the fun was a deeper purpose: creating approachable ways to connect with families and share resources that support early childhood development.
Families who visited the booth received information about services available through UWVBR and Ready Region West, including how to find childcare, understand if they qualify for free or reduced-cost programs, and connect with family support coordinators who can help families discover what is available to them. They also learned about our monthly Family Huddles, where caregivers can share their experiences, learn about local resources, and help strengthen early childhood systems across the region.
As Access and Engagement Coordinator Hollie Harmon-Smith shared, events like the Blue Ridge Kite Festival create space for both connection and impact:
“Events like this matter because they meet families where they are—outside, in community, and in moments of joy—while also creating space for meaningful connection. Community events like the kite festival are powerful because they bring people together in a natural, welcoming way and open doors to support and shared understanding.
Being present allowed us to share early childhood resources in an approachable space and help families see how they are connected to a larger network of support. It’s really about showing up consistently, building trust and relationships, and reinforcing that families are part of a shared effort to support children’s learning, growth, and success.”
By meeting families in a welcoming and accessible setting, UWVBR and Ready Region West can build awareness, answer questions, and open the door to support that can make a lasting difference.
Events like the Blue Ridge Kite Festival are a reminder that meaningful impact often starts with simple moments: showing up, creating connection, and making it easier for families to access the support they need.
