Party & Learn with the United Way

Barbara Arnold |

Brainstorm Board, Fill Up Your Toolbox, and the Pick-a-Pop Game are just three of the dozens of activities for kids and adults alike at the fourth annual Community Block Party on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 11am to 5pm in the main pavilion of Irvine Park in Chippewa Falls. The free event will offer entertainment in the form of comedy, music, games, and fun. The party kicks off the United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley’s 2017 campaign and informs attendees about its three initiatives: education, income, and health. About 40 organizations will have booths where you can learn more.

Food and snack items will be for sale with a portion of the proceeds supporting United Way. Life Support BBQ will be serving up delicious meals from its “Hambulance” trailer, while fresh and squeaky cheese curds will be provided by the Associated Milk Producers.

On the main stage, the United Way Rally will get the party started at high noon. Also performing on the main stage will be InCapable Hands, a local comedy juggling team that performs magic, music, comedy, and danger, sure to entertain all ages. The husband-and-wife duo has been featured on national programs, including Live with Regis and Kelly and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Chicago-based Super Stolie, a musician, singer, and composer of children’s songs, will also entertain there with humble and humorous songs.

In the Pavilion Parking Lot, firefighters from the Chippewa Falls Fire Department will show off a fire truck, share fire safety tips, and answer questions. In the Marshall Park Parking Lot, the Chippewa Falls Police Department and Chippewa County Department of Public Health will do safety checks on child car seats.

Wandering the Park will be Kevin of Kevin’s Juggling & Balloons. Other games and fun inside the pavilion include hula hoops, bean bag toss, Guess the Piggy Amount, Plinko, Piggy Bank Game, Buried Treasure Sensory Bin, Mini Putt Challenge, Feelings Buckets, and Storytime Corner. In addition, the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire will bring its pop-up adventure playground.

Funds raised from this year’s campaign – which runs through June 30, 2018 – will support the local United Way’s three top initiatives: the Successful Children’s Network, the Financial Stability Partnership, and the Community Health Initiative.

Learn more at uwgcv.org and facebook.com/uwgcv.