Meriden Children's Festival Celebrates

With backpacks, food, fun, and more!

MERIDEN - The Salvation Army held its annual Children’s Festival on Friday, August 8, to help students and parents get ready for the start of a new school year and to have fun. Once more, the first 100 children were given a backpack with school supplies, while everyone in attendance was treated to free food, games, and a good time. The line began forming as early as 12:30 p.m. for this popular event that lasted from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m..

Tickets for the free backpacks quickly ran out, which were made available for children up to the twelfth grade. These backpacks were provided by The Salvation Army and all of the contained supplies were donated. The festival itself was open to the public, and everyone was welcome.

Generous businesses from Meriden, Wallingford, and Cheshire donated to help make this year’s festival possible. A bounce house was located in the backyard of the Meriden Corps, which was donated by Meriden Party Rentals. Passes were distributed that allowed children to have hot dogs, drinks, cotton candy, popcorn, snow cones, ice cream, and donuts. Throughout the festival, a DJ played fun music that kept everyone moving and also called out raffle prizes for the children in attendance.

Meriden’s Mayor Manuel A. Santos even stopped by and was delighted to see all the children and families having so much fun. As he later commented, “It seemed like a successful Children's Festival. All of the children were enjoying themselves. Kudos to all of the volunteers!” During the event, children also had an opportunity to tour the Meriden Police Department’s trailer-mobile unit, a Meriden Fire Department fire truck, an ambulance, and the Meriden Public Library’s Bookmobile. Many children and families thanked The Salvation Army for continuing to host this event, and we thank all of our community partners and volunteers who helped to make it happen on this beautiful day in August.