Face painting by Laura O’Connor proved especially popular.
CREATIVITY FOCUSED FAMILY Night at the Virtues Trail in Faribault on Wednesday evening
with face painting,
Jewelry artist Jessica Prill, right, of Fleur de Lis Gallery, set up a beading station.
jewelry making,
theatre,
Sarah Beth Stadler and Suzanne Schwichtenberg of The Upper East Side offered hands-on art projects. Stadler leads “Crafty Mondays” for kids at the Central Avenue creative haven.
hands-on art with markers,
hands-on art with chalk, storytelling and much more to engage kids.
I’m reflected in a mirrored sign next to the tent headquarters for The Virtues Project Faribault.
As I meandered along the trail lined with mirrored signs promoting virtues like kindness, tolerance and creativity, I thought how valuable this event. It not only reinforces positive traits, but it shows the kids of this community that they are valued. People care. They volunteered for this Family Night.
Clearly, kids loved it. Their faces, their hands, their involvement showed their enthusiasm.
Enjoying ice cream, compliments of The Depot Bar & Grill.
Jeff LaBeau of The Depot scooped ice cream for attendees.
I, too, enjoyed myself, stopping occasionally to chat with friends, to eat a scoop of ice cream, to delight in a summer evening as beautiful as they come in Minnesota.
Displayed on a table with a pipecleaner art project.
I love how the people of Faribault are really stepping up to shine positivity in creative ways.
A final summer Family Night at the Virtues Trail is set for 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 28, along the trail in Heritage Bluff Park, next to the train tracks and across from The Depot Bar & Grill.
© Copyright 2019 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Beautiful evening! LUV the face painting! That was a hit last weekend at our “Hoedown” celebration, too. The gr. grands spent much time deliberating on their choices. Last eve was spent at our “Lawn Chair Music” series at the Trailhead Park bandshell. The group, “Under Paris Skies”, was an interesting mix of acoustic guitar, bass viol and accordian—–perfect for that Parisian street music experience. My faves were the several boleros that were played.
Thanks for sharing how your community celebrates. And, yes, the face painting these days has evolved to phenomenal.
There is amazing artistry at every turn these days. I’m seeing more than I ever have in the past……almost like it’s a response to the darkness that exists in other areas.
That’s a great insight. Like you, I’m seeing a lot more art these days and I’m loving this emphasis on creativity. Art has long been under-appreciated.
What a wonderful event for families, most especially the children. It’s heartwarming to see those sweet little faces having so much fun while learning so much.
This was geared primarily for young families. And, yes, heartwarming to see those sweet faces.
As an ex-Minnesotan, I enjoyed seeing the place again. Thanks for allowing me the visit. And great face painting.
Ellen, welcome back to Minnesota via my blog. Thank you for adding your comment and for valuing Minnesota Prairie Roots.
I’ve yet to walk that trail. It’s great Faribault uses the space for fun activities too.
Like you, I’m happy to see this trail used for more than just a trail.
Wow! Those images say it all! As an auntie, I would definitely take my nieces and nephews there to have some amazing and creative fun.
I know you would. Likewise me, if my grandchildren lived close.
what a fun event and the focus on kids keeps it all upbeat as in today’s world we need to spread kindness a little more
I agree absolutely that we need to spread kindness even more today.