University of Illinois Extension and the Champaign Parks District are throwing open the doors to the Martens Center, Champaign's newest community hub, for a free event designed to connect residents with a wealth of resources and celebrate a sense of belonging. The event will occur on Saturday, May 11th, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Extension Day will feature booths from all eight Extension program areas: 4-H, Family Life, Finances, Nutrition and Wellness, SNAP-Ed, EFNEP, the Master Gardeners, and the Master Naturalists. It will also feature booths from community partners such as the Champaign Parks District, the Housing Authority of Champaign County, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission, OSF Healthcare, and the Trauma and Resilience Initiative.

The event promises a fun-filled day for the whole family with engaging activities and crafts. The first 120 guests can enjoy free Kona Ice, while cotton candy keeps everyone sweet. Foodies can watch free cooking demonstrations at 1:15 and 2:15 pm (limited to 12 participants each) or relax and let the kids bounce in the inflatables.