The Children’s Trust of Alachua County (CTAC) and the Gainesville Circus Center are inviting community members to celebrate the national “Lights on Afterschool” event that brings awareness to the importance of after-school programs.
The free event will take place from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23, at the Gainesville Circus Center (1925 NW 2nd St.).
“The Children’s Trust of Alachua County is excited to sponsor Lights on Afterschool to highlight the role afterschool programs play in the community,” said Marsha Kiner, executive director of the Children’s Trust, in a press release. “After-school programs are a vital extension of the school day. They provide children with safe, structured environments where they can continue learning, explore new interests, and build important life skills. When we invest in afterschool, we’re investing in the future of our community.”
The Thursday event will highlight the valuable opportunities and benefits that afterschool programs provide to children, as well as their families and the community at large. CTAC funds seven after-school programs throughout Alachua County that serve children in grades K-12.
One of those programs, the Gainesville Circus Center, takes afterschool engagement to new heights with their unique and creative programming. Dr. Corey Cheval, director and founder, shared, “Gainesville Circus Center looks forward to showcasing the youth artists in our program. This feat would not be possible without our ongoing partnership with the Children’s Trust. We invite families to discover all this community has to offer for kids after school.”
Circus Center students will be both performing and engaging families with hands-on circus activities at the event. Learn to juggle, enjoy free food, bounce, craft, and play at this year’s “Lights on Afterschool.”