By Anna Skinner
In its eighth year, the Westfield Youth Assistance Program’s fall festival will not take place at Ameriana Bank. First Merchants Bank bought out Ameriana, and the WYAP is left to find a new location for its fall fest.
“We wanted to continue that fall festival as just a free community event,” WYAP Early Intervention Advocate Christine Brown said. “We can still offer and promote awareness about youth assistance, so we have moved it from the corner of (Ind.) 32 and Carey Road to Simon Moon Park (2710 E. 171st St.).”
The fall festival originally raised awareness for the WYAP, as well as funds. Ameriana would donate $5 to the program for every person who attended the festival. A walk also was held; however, Brown said the walk will not be held this year due to cool weather because the event is a month later than usual.
The event will have inflatable slides, a bonfire, face painting and a meal for $2 that includes a hotdog, cookie and water. Additional hotdogs will be $1.
“Originally, Ameriana was very supportive with every person that came to the festival,” Brown said. “Ameriana Bank donated $5 (per person) to our organization, so it was a small fundraiser. But also it was just to bring awareness to the Westfield Youth Assistance Program. We just wanted to continue that free fall festival for families and continue awareness about what our organization is. We are excited to possibly expand next year and make it a little bigger.”
Besides continuing the fall festival at a new location, Brown said the WYAP is in talks with the Westfield Parks and Recreation Dept. regarding a combined fundraiser sometime in the spring.
For more, visit youthassistance.org/westfield.
