On Sept. 10, the first Big Little Fair was held in Ypsilanti. The event, organized by the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washtenaw County, was split into three locations: the Riverside Art Center, the Ypsilanti District Library and the Ypsilanti Performance Space.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is a mentorship program featuring the one-on-one pairing of adult mentors with local youth. Danny Murphy, marketing and outreach counselor for Big Brother Big Sisters, said that the fair’s goal is to help build relationships in Ypsilanti and connect residents with resources from local organizations.
“It occurred to our development team that we spend all this time helping youth and mentors build healthy relationships to help kids grow and reach their full potential, and we could apply that knowledge and that set of community building skills, as well,” Murphy said.
The fair included live music, Congolese dance lessons and various arts and crafts.
Participants heard support from organizations at the local chapters of Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Children participated in the Chamberlin Animal Rides while parents learned how Big Brothers Big Sisters provide support and inspiration for households. The League of Women Voters, Washtenaw Literacy and Washtenaw Area Council for Children were also among the on-site organizations.
The event was free to attend and food was available for purchase from various food trucks at the Ypsilanti Performance Space.
