April is deemed Young Child Month and will feature a variety of free, kid-friendly events in Cortez.
There will be a kid fair, art show, concerts, garden tours, and free health screenings for children 0-8 years old, or close to that, said Vangi McCoy, coordinator for the Montelores, Early Childhood Council (MECC).
“This is our sixth annual childhood fair,” she said. “In recent years, we’ve expanded the program to provide health screenings and involve the parents.”
For the art show young artists under age 8 are invited to recreate a scene or character from their favorite book. Original works must measure no more than 9 by 12 inches.
Artwork may be brought to Beech Street Preschool before April 15. Any art medium may be used, including tempera, watercolor, collage materials, markers, crayons, etc.
“Remember, the process, not the product is what helps children learn,” McCoy said.
The artwork will go on display at the Cortez Library and at Walmart through the month of April.
Other events include:
Saturday, April 11: Four Seasons Greenhouse will host a family gardening lesson. Kids take home seeds and a tomato starter plant.
Thursday, April 23: MECC will host a free family night dinner at the Johnson Building, Room 110 at 5:30 p.m. Teams of families will play the game Minute to Win.
Friday, April 24: The San Juan Mountains Association will give kids a tour of the Hawkins Preserve.
Saturday, April 25: At the Children Festival at Parque de Vida from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be outdoor activities, fire-engine tours, and free health screenings, including for vision, dental, and hearing.
“We will also have car seats and bike helmets at reduced prices and door prizes,” McCoy said.
Tuesday, April 28: The Sunflower Theatre will screen Raising of America, a PBS documentary about children poverty and how the community can make a difference.
“Young Child Month is an opportunity for parents to have fun with their kids, create art, listen to music, and take advantage of free health screenings,” McCoy said.