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BEMIDJI 鈥� With a particular focus on the importance of early childhood development, nearly 30 local businesses will set up shop at Bemidji Early Childhood Collaborative鈥檚 Tiny Tots Health and Wellness Fair from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 5, at the Sanford Center.

Free to attend and open to all, the fair aims to provide resources for families with children under 5 years old.

鈥淔rom birth to age 3, children are developing one million neural connections per second in their brains, so we want to really think about what we do for those families and how we support the children,鈥� Pine Pals Director Lydia Pietruszewski said. 鈥淲e would love for the community to place a high value on families with young children.鈥�

Each organization 鈥� ranging from Pine Pals to Apple Blossom Village and BI-CAP Head Start to Choice Therapy 鈥� will provide information on their respective services as well as activities geared toward children. Additionally, youth will have the chance to explore vehicles of all kinds outside the Sanford Center including police cars, fire trucks and school buses.

The Bemidji First City Lions will also offer free eye exams at the fair and door prizes, face paintings and treats will complement the overall purpose of the event.

鈥淥ne of our largest sponsors is Sanford Heath, and they are really integral in helping us hold this event every year,鈥� Pietruszewski added. 鈥淪ome of the other area businesses have donated so we can then purchase prizes to give away.鈥�

The fair is considered the kick-off for National Week of the Young Child. Headlined by the the week has been observed the past several years, including locally in Bemidji.

鈥淥ur goal with that is to focus on the importance of the early childhood years, celebrate the professionals and the parents that are caring for children every day,鈥� Pietruszewski said, 鈥渁nd get businesses in our community to think a little bit more about what they offer to that demographic.鈥�

Running through Friday, April 11, each day of National Week of the Young Child observes a specific theme including Music Monday, Tasty Tuesday, Work Together Wednesday, Artsy Thursday and Family Friday. Community businesses and organizations will host various activities for families related to the day鈥檚 theme.

Furthermore, Mayor Jorge Prince will proclaim National Week of the Young Child in the city of Bemidji as a way to celebrate early educators and child care professionals, as well as push for support for the profession.

As the fair approaches, Pietruszewski looks back on previous years and the growth that has taken place. Last year鈥檚 fair saw a record 500 attendees and overall growth necessitated a change in venue of the Bemidji Area Boys and Girls Club to the Sanford Center.

Amidst its expansion, Pietruszewski hopes Saturday鈥檚 event and week-long celebration will continue to provide invaluable resources to families who may not know where to look.

鈥淲e want this to be a space where families can come together,鈥� she left off, 鈥渁nd find community.鈥�

More information can be found on the