Families are invited to a free “Family Funstival” in Ararat from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

The event, featuring family friendly activities, will be in Dan River Park and is hosted by STEP, Inc.’s Head Start/Early Head Start program. The event is sponsored by Clark Gas and Oil.

In addition to a bounce house, children’s activities and music, a variety of agencies and vendors will have booths. Visitors will have opportunities to learn about programs and services of STEP, Head Start/Early Head Start, the Health Coalition, Anthem Healthkeepers, Patrick Henry Community College, the Stuart Chamber of Commerce, Seniors Services, Ararat Fire Department and the Ararat Rescue Squad.

Vendors include Boyd’s Restaurant, Painter Farms, Unique Gifts, Paparazzi, Lularoe, DoTERRA, and Thirty-One.

Head Start (HS) and Early Head Start (EHS) are comprehensive education, health and nutrition programs specifically designed to help parents prepare their children for school in Patrick and Franklin counties. They are designed to foster the healthy development of children from low-income families. STEP classrooms also provide the opportunity for the social, emotional, and intellectual growth along with health screenings, medical and dental support services. The Head Start approach serves the entire family and seeks to empower both parent and child.

STEP (Solutions That Empower People) is a community action agency with services in Franklin and Patrick counties, and Bedford, Martinsville and Danville. Services include Early Head Start and Head Start; youth services (LIFES Academy and Project Discovery); senior services (Meals on Wheels, transportation); supportive services (re-entry, homelessness prevention); housing and weatherization; and financial services (tax preparation assistance, financial education, individual development accounts). STEP’s mission is to empower people to overcome barriers to economic, educational and developmental success within the communities it serves.