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Oct 19, 2024

What has a giant brain, horses and a rock climbing wall for kids, and all for free? Encompass' BIG event returns Saturday.

GREEN BAY — This weekend, children can explore a giant brain, star in their very own radio commercial, hang out with horses and more — all for free. Encompass’ annual BIG Event for Kids returns from 9

GREEN BAY — This weekend, children can explore a giant brain, star in their very own radio commercial, hang out with horses and more — all for free.

Encompass’ annual BIG Event for Kids returns from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, in Heritage Hill State Park, 2640 S. Webster Ave. And, for the first time in its 35-year history as Encompass’ signature fundraiser, admission is free.

Over 40 local exhibitors will be at the event, each providing a hands-on activity geared specifically toward children. There will also be guests, such as various characters and the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay cheerleaders.

As Encompass Executive Director Missy Schmeling described it, The BIG Event is all about “providing a day to explore, play and discover.”

Here’s what you need to know:

Perhaps a better question is, "What is not going to be at The BIG Event for Kids?"

For one, there will be animals. Copperleaf Stables is bringing horses and some other petting zoo friends, and Happily Ever After Animal Sanctuary Inc. will have dogs on site from 9 to 10 a.m.

There will also be a mega brain inflatable courtesy of the Brain Center, and children can explore the FOX 11 Storm Chaser. Touch-a-truck opportunities will be offered by Schneider (kids can sit in the truck), the Green Bay Fire Department and Peter’s Concrete. Train fans can explore the sterling engine, courtesy of the National Railroad Museum.

There will also be a variety of science, art and musical activities, plus lots of games.

Encompass’ Director of Fund Development Alexa Priddy said Midwest Communications’ exhibit is always a hit — children can record their own commercials, a unique keepsake.

State Farm is returning with its rocket launcher; children can once again shoot hoops alongside the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay women’s basketball team and Green Bay Action Sports Organization is bringing its mobile skatepark, Priddy said.

Aside from being free this year, 2024’s BIG Event for Kids will bring other firsts. Odyssey Climbing will bring its mobile rock-climbing wall, and Integrated Sensory will showcase some of what it does in its health and wellness facility.

It’s thanks to nearly 50 sponsors and donors, Priddy said.

She explained that because Encompass child care centers aim to make high-quality care accessible and affordable to parents, Encompass and its supporters challenged themselves to make the event free. They raised enough funds for the event through donations and sponsorships that they didn’t need to sell tickets.

Yes, food will be for sale.

Bay Area Burger, Maldonado’s, Red Hot Frozen Treats and Heritage Coffee will all have their food trucks at The BIG Event. Encompass will also have its Snack Shack with low-cost options.

If you can’t find parking at Heritage Hill, there is overflow parking at the CP Center, 2801 S. Webster. There will be a shuttle available.

Heritage Hill has accessible parking.

No carry-ins or pets are allowed, but ADA service animals are welcome. You can bring a stroller or wagon. Note that there is no ATM on-site.

Madison Lammert covers child care and early education across Wisconsin as a Report for America corps member based at The Appleton Post-Crescent. To contact her, email [email protected] or call 920-993-7108. Please consider supporting journalism that informs our democracy with a tax-deductible gift to Report for America by visiting postcrescent.com/RFA.