For many, it’s become a family event. And that’s certainly music to the ears of officials with the City of Bridgeport.

 

This past week, those same city officials set the date for what will be the 7th annual Family Day at Bridgeport City Park. Community Development Director Andre Kerr also said a rain date has been put in place as well.

 

According to Kerr, the event will be on Thursday June 6 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the event will take place Tuesday, June 11. Regardless of the day, organizers are expecting another huge crowd.

 

Once again, there is more than just free admission. Everything at the event is free for those attending.

 

“This has turned into one of the biggest events every year in the city,” said Kerr. “The numbers seem to grow each year.”

 

Organizers do their best to keep a head count at each event as patrons enter City Park. Last year, organizers estimated the crowd at or above 2,000 individuals. It has routinely drawn more than 1,000 each year it’s been held.

 

As it turns out, getting people to attend isn’t the only thing that’s become easy. Kerr said one other facet has become a breeze.

 

“This is probably my easiest event to plan because the vendors are excited to come back year after year. I start with an email list of past vendors and very rarely do we not get a ‘sign me up’ response back almost immediately,” said Kerr.

 

The vendors will be providing plenty of freebies for kids and adults. Kerr said while kids will have a good time, many vendors that have events for kids also have important information on their business and individuals on hand to discuss what they offer.

 

“That’s an added bonus for the vendors because everything is 100 percent free and coming at no cost is a requirement of the vendor,” said Kerr.

 

There are some costs involved, but that’s paid for by the city.  Some of the activities and one of the main events come with a cost. Kerr said the city pays for the bounce houses and other events where employees are required to run them. She also said the city will be bringing in a band to perform that will be paid for through municipal funds.

 

“Outside of that, everything is free and donated for the city’s purposes for this event,” she said.

 

What’s on hand this year? Along with the bounce house, a rock-climbing wall, there will once again be water-related activities and Kerr is asking for those planning on taking part to bring a towel and perhaps a change of clothes for the ride home. The popular zip line will not be there this year, but Kerr said they’re already trying to get it for 2020.

 

There will also be police and fire staff from the City of Bridgeport on hand, along with law enforcement agencies and emergency service personnel from throughout the county attending. Kerr said it’s one of the main goals to get kids and community members comfortable – and to put a face and name with – law enforcement and other first responders.

 

Those first responders, along with vendors, will be bringing equipment and vehicles. Kerr said police units, an ambulance, a ladder truck, a concrete truck and more will be available.  She also said the city’s mobile command unit, a national guard vehicle and – hopefully – a helicopter will once again be on hand.

 

“That’s one we’re working on,” said Kerr. “We’re likely to be making additions to what we have up until the final days before the event.”

 

The event also has something else that draws a crowd. There will be plenty of free food, drinks and snacks for those attending.

 

“If you’re hungry, we’ll have something for you,” said Kerr.

 

About the only thing people may want to bring are chairs. Kerr said they can be utilized during the concert of a band that is expected to be announced in the near future.

 

Kerr said she can be contacted at the Bridgeport Municipal Complex by vendors wishing to participate. She said every year, after a story runs on Connect-Bridgeport, there are plenty of additional inquiries.

 

“We want our businesses to be involved as well and be able to do marking and perhaps have giveaways for the crowed,” said Kerr. “This is an event a lot of kids look forward to, but there’s going to be a lot of adults because when you have the number of kids involved we typically see you’re going to see grandparents and parents close behind.”

 

Editor's Note: Photos show past Family Day events at Bridgeport City Park. Photos by www.benqueenphotography.com.