Gloucester Education Foundation (GEF) is proud to announced their free annual Power of Play event returns on March 23, with a dynamic slate of hands-on, screen-free, play-based activities for kids of all ages. GEF is excited to continue to offer this opportunity for Gloucester families to connect, unplug, and play together.
Founded in 2016 by an enthusiastic group of community volunteers, Power of Play is a favorite annual event among Gloucester families. Over 1,200 children, parents, grandparents, and caregivers attended last year’s event, with 100+ community and student volunteers.
“From the very first moment my children and I attended Power of Play, I knew we had found something special. Besides being a free community event focused on the physical, mental and developmental benefits of play,” said Jessica Margiotta, Power of Play Event Chair. “It also is TONS OF FUN, holding a special place in my family’s heart because of the wonderful memories made each year.”
The event features seven different play modalities for families to explore: GAMES, CREATE, BUILD, TOUCH, MOVE, DISCOVER, and WIGGLE. Adult volunteers, student volunteers, and community partners including Seaside Circus, the Cape Ann YMCA, Goldfish Swim School, Kindred Gardens, MAGMA, Maritime Gloucester, North Shore Karate, and DF Fitness will lead these throughout the day.
This year’s event will feature many favorite activities from previous years, including craft projects, fort-building, lawn games, toy car races, sand play, a silent dance party, and special infant/toddler Wiggle Zone. New this year? An entire area devoted to learning about the human body, make-and-take sensory jars, improv theater games and creating a giant fish print tapestry.
“We couldn’t imagine a better cause to support,” says Doug Kerr, a lead Power of Play donor with his wife Liisa Nogelo-Kerr “We love to support local activities and events that bring the community together around active, engaged learning. Power of Play does that for so many children and families.”
Power of Play is made possible by GEF volunteers, with funding from Cape Ann Savings Bank, Doug Kerr and Liisa Nogello Kerr, Sawyer Free Library, Seashore Comfort Solutions, Medeiros General Construction Inc., Goldfish Swim School, and Dr. David Harrison Family Dentist. Cape Ann Savings Bank is the lead sponsor,and also coordinates the concession stand at the event with all proceeds benefiting GEF.
“We encourage student volunteers to come help.” said Jeferson DoCarmo, a GEF student advisor in assisting the preparation for this event. “It’s so much fun interacting with the kids, plus you get to be a kid again yourself.”
IF YOU GO:
What: A day of hands-on, screen-free play for all ages, hosted by Gloucester Education
Foundation and run by a powerhouse team of community and student volunteers! Games, art
projects, fort-building, science experiments, sensory play, and so much more.
When: Sunday, March 23, 2025 11am – 2pm
Where: Gloucester High School Field House, 32 Leslie O. Johnson Road, Gloucester, MA
