Manatee County’s 18th Annual Children’s Summit Scheduled for Oct. 6

MANATEE COUNTY – Manatee County’s 18th Annual Manatee Children’s Summit, the area’s biggest and most informative expo for parents and kids, is just around the corner.

Dozens of local child and family organizations will have booths for kids and parents, each encouraging this year’s theme, “Strong Families Create Strong Communities.”

The summit will be held Saturday, Oct. 6 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. The event is free and open to the public. There is a nominal fee for food.

“We are celebrating families and their impact on our community,” said Manatee County Human Services Manager Mike Neuges. “Nearly all families accomplish similar tasks such as child bearing, providing for members' basic needs, giving emotional support, developing family traditions and of course sharing responsibilities. By accomplishing these similar tasks, families influence the way our community functions.”

Great family local entertainment will be provided, including the Rowlett Elementary Drum Line and Carolers, Manatee School of the Arts Dance Team, Bradenton Twirling Academy and Manatee High School Jazz Band. 

There will also be plenty of kid entertainment including a rock wall, a bounce house, the Mote Marine touch tank and other family fun activities, Neuges said. There will also be a police race car, bike and pedestrian safety, free bike helmet giveaways and great information on parenting, child care, after school and special needs programs and services.

Last year more than 6,000 children and adults attended the Children’s Summit. The Event began in 1994 to give residents a better idea of family resources and to give children’s service providers a way to increase community awareness of available programming. Over the years, the Children’s Summit has become a solid partnership of government, nonprofit organizations and the private sector.

To learn more about this event, call (941) 749-3030 and ask to speak with someone in the Children’s Section. To learn more about the social services Manatee County Government offers children, families and adults, visit www.mymanatee.org/community.