CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension and the Champaign Park District are teaming up once again for Extension Day, a free, family-friendly event designed to connect residents with valuable local resources and celebrate community. This year’s event will be held at the Douglass Community Center and Annex (512 E. Grove St., Champaign, IL 61820) on Saturday, May 10, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Whether you're already familiar with Illinois Extension or curious to learn more, this event is an excellent opportunity to explore its wide range of free programs and services. Attendees can connect with representatives from all Extension program areas: 4-H, Family Life, Nutrition and Wellness, Finance, SNAP-Ed, Integrated Health Disparities, Master Gardeners, and Master Naturalists.
Over 30 community partners will also be onsite, including the Champaign Park District, the Housing Authority of Champaign County, Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, Champaign County Regional Planning Commission, OSF Healthcare, and the Trauma and Resilience Initiative.
Along with engaging booths and helpful info, there’s plenty of fun for the whole family:
- Face painting, bubbles, and a bounce house
- Free cotton candy and Kona Ice for the first 100 guests
- Cooking demonstrations at 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. (limited to 10 participants per session)
- The Veggie Van, offering fresh produce and tips for healthy eating
- Delicious eats for purchase from the Chicago Grill food truck
“Extension Day is all about making connections,” said event organizer and Extension educator Tracy Bowden. “We want people to know that these programs and services are here for them—whether it's support for families, tips for healthy living, or just a fun afternoon out. Everyone is welcome.”
Celebrate community, connection, and the spirit of learning and fun at Extension Day. Whether you’re stopping by for the food, the activities, or the information, there’s something for everyone!
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.