MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Mothers of young children, listen up! There is an upcoming event that you might find of interest.
The 3rd Annual Mom Fest is scheduled to take place Aug. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be held on the lawn of the Jacksonville Bible Church on 501 Anne St., in downtown Jacksonville.
“It’s an outdoor, walk-through festival for families,” said event coordinator Beth Witman of the Jacksonville Bible Church’s local chapter of Mothers of Preschoolers. Mom Fest is an event designed for moms of children ages 0-5 to learn about activities, businesses and services in Jacksonville.
There will be free games and activities for kids, such as a moon bounce, and lots of educational and vendor booths for moms to explore. Additionally, there will be free car seat safety checks and free child identification kits for parents to take home.
“We hold the event for moms to learn what’s in Jacksonville for moms to do. We have government organizations coming, such as social services and the health department, and local businesses,” said Witman.
Mom Fest is sponsored by Mothers of Preschoolers, of which there are several chapters in the area. In addition to the chapter at the Jacksonville Bible Church, there are chapters at the River of Life Church on 1940 Gum Branch Road and at the Potters House Church on 4801 Gum Branch Road.
Local MOPS chapters discuss important issues such as exercise, taking care of oneself, depression, the marriage relationship, budgeting, home organization, school decisions and more.
“I think it’s important, especially in Jacksonville, because [military mothers] don’t have the support as in traditional circles. The moms come alongside of each other and peer mentor,” said Witman of the importance of MOPS.
For more information about MOPS or to look up information on the local chapters, visit the organization’s national Web site at www.mops.org.
For more information about Mom Fest, contact Witman at 548-1834.