(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families initiative will bring Linden families and friends together for the 4th annual Linden Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Greater Columbus Community House (1500 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, OH).
The free event is designed to celebrate the Linden community, strengthen neighborhood connections and make it easier for families to connect with resources that support their health and well-being.
This year’s festival will feature new attractions and returning favorites, including inflatables, food trucks, pumpkin decorating, an airbrush artist, face painting, winter clothing giveaways, a photobooth, mobile barber and hair care services, and special performances from the Linden-McKinley and KIPP Columbus band and cheerleaders.
Beyond the fall fun, the festival brings families and community organizations together in one place, helping residents connect with neighborhood resources and build relationships that support healthy children, families and communities.
“Linden Fall Festival is part of our commitment to healthcare beyond the hospital’s walls, which includes making sure our residents feel connected to resources to help them and to help each other,” said Tifini Ray, director of community relations at Nationwide Children’s. “It gives families a chance to have fun, spend time with their neighbors and connect with organizations and resources that are here for them throughout the year. For us, being a good neighbor means listening and working alongside the community to help families build healthier lives together.”
Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families started in 2008 with the goal of strengthening the health of neighborhoods, families and children by addressing factors that impact overall health, including affordable housing, education, health and wellness, community enrichment, and economic development. The initiative provides families with resources and programs to improve community, family, and children’s well-being.
The Linden community partners include City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods, Franklin County Child Support, 311 Service Center, Central Ohio Community Land Trust, Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio, City of Columbus, Columbus City Schools, Columbus NextGen, Community of Caring Corporation, Final Third Foundation, Franklin County Commissioners, Pyramid CDC, United Way, We Are Linden, Linden Fresh Market, Remember Us Urban Legends, Linden Park Early Childhood Education Center, Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, KIPP Columbus and COTA.
The event will happen rain or shine. Food truck lines will close at 1:45 p.m. All activities and resources will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Airbrush swag will be available for the first 300 kids and special coloring tote bags will be available to the first 200 kids.
For more information about the event, visit NationwideChildrens.org/HNHFLinden.