CANTON, CT — An annual Canton event inspired by an Avon resident's experience with pediatric cancer will return this weekend, bringing families together while raising money for pediatric cancer research.
The Shops at Farmington Valley will host its sixth annual Valley Fest Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to noon. The Shops at Farmington Valley is located off Route 44 in Canton.
The event benefits VIE for the Kids and pediatric cancer research at Connecticut Children's Medical Center.
Valley Fest was inspired by Avon resident Morgan Platt, 23, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 7.
Platt's experiences during treatment led her to help create an event that could raise awareness of pediatric cancer while supporting other children and families facing the disease, organizers said.
Since its inception, Valley Fest has raised more than $10,000 for pediatric cancer research at Connecticut Children's, according to organizers.
"Valley Fest is very personal to me because it came from my own experience with cancer and seeing firsthand what children and families go through," Platt said. "I wanted to turn that experience into something positive and use it to bring attention to pediatric cancer."
Platt said seeing the community gather each year for the cause remains meaningful to her.
"Every year, it means so much to see the community come together for these families and for a cause that is very close to my heart," she said.
This year's event, held during Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, will include a touch-a-truck experience featuring the Canton Fire and Police departments, along with construction vehicles.
Other activities will include outdoor crafts from Valley Kids Co., pumpkin painting with Winterberry Landscaping, and activities offered by Creative Development, which works with children and supports sensory development.
New this year will be a sensory-friendly period from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Organizers said the final half-hour will provide a quieter, lower-stimulation environment for children who may be sensitive to the horns, sirens, and other sounds associated with touch-a-truck events.
"Valley Fest was born from Morgan's desire to turn her own experience with cancer into something that could help others," said Elizabeth Ackerman, general manager of The Shops at Farmington Valley. "Pediatric cancer affects entire families, and we are proud to continue bringing awareness and support to this important cause each year."
To purchase tickets for Valley Fest, click on this link.
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