Oct. 6, 2023
Springdale event to feature PBS KIDS characters, family activities, entertainment
CONWAY, Ark. (Arkansas PBS) — Arkansas PBS returns to The Jones Center, 122 East Emma Avenue, Springdale, for Family Day Saturday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. This free public event encourages community spirit through family-friendly fun, entertainment and educational activities. Families are encouraged to RSVP at myarpbs.org/familydayspringdale.
This year’s theme is “‘I’ is for Imagination,” and the event will feature PBS KIDS costume characters, free snacks for children, live entertainment, hands-on kids’ activities and games, giveaways and prizes, and an Arkansas PBS pop-up shop.
Special guests for the day include Clifford the Big Red Dog, Curious George, and Daniel Tiger and Katerina Kittycat from “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.” Families are invited to meet and take photos with the characters. Children are also encouraged to dress as their favorite PBS KIDS characters.
Arkansas PBS is proud to partner with the Northwest Arkansas Foodbank at this event to gather donations of after-school and weekend snacks for families who struggle with food insecurity. Following the theme of “‘I’ is for Imagination,” Family Day attendees are asked to “imagine a world where no child goes hungry” by bringing nonperishable, kid-friendly food items as a donation. Suggested items include granola bars, juice boxes, gummy/fruit snacks, noodle cups and raisins.
Other free activities and entertainment Arkansas PBS has planned for the event will include:
Live music performance by Papa Rap.
Live theater performance by Trike Theatre.
Interactive activities with the Scott Family Amazeum, Theatre Squared, Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Community Creative Center, EAST Initiative, Flip Side Ninja Park and more.
Mobile aquarium from Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
Exploration of a giant brain with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
Story time.
Sidewalk chalk art, bubbles and costume dress-up area.
Fresh fruit, string cheese, Goldfish and drinks from 11 a.m.-1p.m.
Those planning to attend are encouraged to check out the event schedule for time-specific activities and performances. Additional information and the most current schedule of activities are available at myarpbs.org/events. Updates are also available by signing up for emails at myarpbs.org/signup.
Arkansas PBS Family Day 2023: ‘I’ is for Imagination Family Day 2023 in Northwest Arkansas is made possible by Black Hills Energy, Pediatrics Plus, Startup Junkie, Newell Development and ARcare.
Community service groups or corporate volunteer groups interested in volunteering for Arkansas PBS Family Day can sign up at myarpbs.org/volunteer or contact Nick Starnes at 800-662-2386 for more information.
About The Jones Center
The Jones Center was founded in 1995 by Springdale philanthropist Bernice Jones, the wife of Jones Truck Lines founder Harvey Jones, and is dedicated to fueling community connections, cultivating spaces and experiences where everyone can learn, play and thrive together. The 220,000 square-foot center features Northwest Arkansas’ only indoor ice arena, as well as the Tyson Foods Fitness Center, an indoor pools complex, a gymnasium with indoor track and a conference center. The Jones Center hosts arts, cultural and STEM-based programming that celebrates the diversity of the region, as well as classes for youth in sports, recreation and education. The center’s 50+ acre campus features the world-class Runway Bike Park and Velosolutions pump track and provides housing and collaborative space for dozens of regional nonprofits.
About Arkansas PBS
Arkansas PBS, Arkansas’s only statewide public media network, empowers learners of all ages by educating, informing, entertaining and inspiring communities. Arkansas PBS serves as a daily and essential resource for Arkansans by creating, sharing, celebrating and driving conversation around Arkansas stories and classic, trusted PBS programs through multiple digital platforms, including livestreaming at myarpbs.org/live, on-demand services and YouTube TV, and the distinct channels Arkansas PBS, Arkansas PBS Create, Arkansas PBS KIDS, Arkansas PBS WORLD and Arkansas PBS AIRS on SAP. Members with Arkansas PBS Passport have extended on-demand access to a rich library of public television programming. Arkansas PBS depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. Additional information is available at myarkansaspbs.org. Arkansas PBS is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro), KETZ (El Dorado), KETS (Russellville), KETS (Forrest City), KETS (Gaither) and KETS (Yancy).
---###---