Youth Services System, Inc. (YSS) is hosting its 17th annual Celebrate Youth Festival at Wheeling Park on August 1, 2024, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Attendees can expect free wristbands to the park, lunch, school supplies, community resources, games and so much more.
The festival has quickly gained community support from sponsors including The Cornerstone Group, USI Insurance Services, Marshall County Commission, Kiwanis Club of Wheeling, and local Wheeling restaurant The Alpha Tavern. Panhandle Restoration and Cleaning will provide water for the event; American Sanitary Supply Company will provide utensils and paper products; and The Ziegenfelder Company will provide their famous Twin Pops.
Additionally, over 60 exhibitors are signed up to attend the event including colleges, community clubs, organizations providing health and wellness resources and so many more.
In preparation for the end-of-summer event, YSS employees and girls from the Helinski Shelter volunteered to fill 2,000 bags with school supplies including Crayola crayons and colored pencils, notebooks, folders, pens and more.
Attendees will receive their free wristbands at different locations within the park, giving entry to the pool, mini golf course, and paddle boats. Kids can also enjoy time at the bounce house, craft tables, or with face painting. The agency also provides other activities like the Bubble Wagon and lunch for everyone.
The Celebrate Youth Festival creates lasting memories for our community and continues to be a tradition for some families.
Emma Carpenter has previously attended the event. Carpenter says, “When I was younger, I remember I spent over an hour on the inflatables.” Carpenter continues, “I enjoyed playing the games and winning prizes.” She adds, “When my son is old enough to attend, I look forward to having him enjoy the festival like I did when I was younger.”
Nick Sparachane, owner of Undo’s Family Restaurants and The Alpha Tavern, says, “Undo’s and the Alpha have always been active in the Wheeling Community and feel that Youth Services is one of the most important organizations in our Valley.” Sparachane continues, “[YSS] works tirelessly on behalf of our youth in the community and is an integral part in the lives of so many. They have such an important mission.”
The YSS mission is “To create a better future for children, families and our community.” The Celebrate Youth Festival is a way to encourage success in our youth and their families.
Nicole Whorton, Vice President at USI Insurance Services, says, “Youth Services is an integral part of our community.” Whorton adds, “The many services they provide are life-changing and we are so lucky to have them.”
Wheeling Park has provided YSS the space for this event for the last 17 years and has recently upgraded its park to have the largest, most inclusive playground in the state. YSS looks forward to hosting the event at Wheeling Park so the community can enjoy the new amenities.
For more information about the event, contact Elizabeth Griffith at egriffith@ysswv.com or (304) 233-9627 ext. 424.
