Bedford County Announces free, Fatherhood Fun Day on May 17

Several Bedford County departments are joining together for a unique event that focuses on helping local fathers' bond with their kids.

Fatherhood Fun Day will be held on Saturday, May 17, from 1-9 p.m., at the Peaks Retreat & Adventure Center (1336 Simmons Mill Rd., Thaxton). Attendees can come for a couple of hours or stay the full day, and the event is free. The schedule is as follows:

 1-5 p.m. — Choose from a variety of activities including crafts, climbing wall, fishing, swimming, archery, and canoeing. There will be vendors on site and lots of giveaways.

• 5-7 p.m. — Enjoy pizza and play basketball/gaga ball.
• 7-9 p.m. — Wind down with an outdoor movie, bonfire, s’mores and popcorn.

Fatherhood Fun Day is 100 percent funded by a state grant received by Bedford County Department of Social Services (DSS). The grant’s purpose is to support events that encourage fathers to become more actively involved in their children's lives.

 “We are thrilled to have this opportunity to help children connect with their fathers in a fun environment. We are also starting a Fatherhood Initiative group that will continue the conversation long after this event… asking, how do we continue to strengthen these local father-child relationships?” said Tomi Turner, DSS assistant director.

 DSS partnered with Bedford County Parks & Recreation and the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office to plan activities and provide volunteer staffing for the event.