Each spring, Party in the Park is held at Avent Park to spread awareness of child abuse by providing safe, family-oriented activities to more than 500 children and their families.

The group of professionals from community organizations who come together each year to organize the popular event is looking for other organizations, nonprofits or individuals to sponsor a game or activity for this year’s event that will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on April 14.

Party in the Park is a joint project involving volunteers from the city of Oxford, Lafayette County, area law enforcement agencies, Department of Human Services, Family Crisis Services, the 4-H Club, Communicare Connections and Oxford and Lafayette County school districts.

The annual event helps to raise awareness about child abuse in the community through promoting various fun activities while distributing messages regarding child abuse prevention, safety and promoting healthy families and healthy lifestyles.

“From the successful history that we have had by including other community organizations, we are again inviting other community organizations to participate in providing a fun-filled activity for the children and families in the Lafayette-Oxford-University community,” said organizer Mary-Margaret Rayburn, with Family Crisis Services of Northwest Mississippi.

The event is free for everyone. Family Crisis Services will be providing lunch that was donated by sponsors.

Some suggested activities for the day include face painting, a cupcake walk, sack races, egg and spoon races and more.

“Use your imagination,” Rayburn said, “A long as the activities are safe and child-focused.”

Those sponsoring a game will be responsible for organizing their volunteers, providing all the needed materials for the game or activity and implementation of the game or activity during Party in the Park.

No solicitations of any kind are allowed at the event, Rayburn said.

Groups wanting to host a game or activity for the event, or those wishing to sponsor Party in the Park with a monetary donation should contact Rayburn for an application by emailing her at marymargaret_rayburn@yahoo.com no later than March 29.