Youth Alliance hosting Children’s Fair

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The Youth Alliance's annual Children's Fair is taking place on Tuesday at the St. Joseph Civic Arena to help kids develop a love for reading.

The event included entertainment, interactive stations, book-themed activities and more.

The morning session started at 9 a.m. with an evening session beginning at 5:30 p.m. Each child that attended received a free book at the event.

“This was a free event for all families in our community and surrounding areas,” said La’Sherrie Tyes with the St. Joseph Youth Alliance. “Our goal is to create an interactive experience with our local business partners immersed and to promote early literacy and reading.” 

The event was geared toward children aged 6 and under.

"When it comes to reading, starting early and young definitely helps with language development, it helps bring the stories to life and overall creates that desire and love for reading," said Tyes.

Over 25 businesses, in collaboration with the St. Joseph Youth Alliance, set up themed booths and stations featuring books.

“The families can also go to our local libraries and check out books if they had a lot of fun at the different activities stations and bring that back into their home,” said Tyes. 

More information about the St. Joseph Youth Alliance and programs they offer can be found at, https://youth-alliance.org/.