This Saturday Avent Park will be the place for free family fun.

Project Homestead will have Party in the Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. where children can enjoy fun activities and some good grub.

The event is put together each spring by Project Homestead, a group of professionals from the community that work with child abuse prevention and intervention. The goal of Saturday will be to provide a safe, family-oriented event and activities where information can be handed out to get out the message about child abuse, awareness and safety.

“We would love everyone to come out for Party in the Park this year to signify Child Abuse Awareness Month,” said Melody Madaris with Communicare. “Child abuse knows no boundaries and much like domestic violence, it happens everywhere. Party in the Park is a place where kids can have fun but parents can learn about resources, of all types, that are available in Oxford. Oxford is rich in community-based resources for parents and children of all ages, and we would love for everyone to know how to access these resources and see the faces of the people offering these resources.”

Family fun event

While parents can pick up a brochure, they can also watch their child enjoy activities like face-painting, cupcake walk, sack races, egg and spoon races, three-legged races or other fun and picture-perfect moments.

Family Crisis Services of Mississippi said about 500 people come out each year and it strengthens awareness between local agencies and families in the Lafayette-Oxford community.

“The most important thing you can to do protect your children is to educate them; give them permission to always tell a trusted adult if they feel that something isn’t OK,” said Meredith Rawl with Family Crisis Services. “Help your children identify these people, and let them know that their body belongs to them.”

The Lafayette County Law Enforcement Association is providing the hot-dog lunch, and Oxford Police Chief Joey East said Party in the Park is an event is a favorite each year.

“This is a really fun family event that helps to also make parents and guardians aware of the resources that are available to them and their children,” East said. “We participate in some form every year and look forward to it again this year.”