expERIEnce Children's Museum Hosts New Take on Annual Street Soiree

Contributed

The annual Street Soiree, hosted as a major fundraising event by the expERIEnce Children's Museum will be, like their recent expansion and renovation, bigger and better this year. Including local food, drinks, and music, the grown-up only affair will take place both inside the museum and out and will greatly benefit the museum's mission to positively impact the lives of all of Erie's youth.

SATURDAY, AUG. 3

The entire northwestern corner of Fifth and State streets has, in recent history, become totally dedicated to serving Erie's children as the home of the expanded and improved expERIEnce Children's Museum – but for one night in August, that corner will be just for adults. The folks from the expERIEnce Children's Museum will host their annual Street Soiree fundraiser, and like the recently reopened museum, this year's event promises to be bigger and better than ever.

The expERIEnce Children's Museum has been part of downtown Erie for 27 years, positively impacting generations of children locally and beyond. The Street Soiree is an opportunity to support the organization, which, according to its mission, "has been at the heart of the Erie community, offering a safe and stimulating space where children can explore, learn, and create."

In previous years, the Street Soiree was an outdoor "block party," closing off French Street in front of the museum for the fundraiser. There are some changes this year, according to Director of Marketing and Community Relations Olivia Wickline, "Unlike previous years where the focus was primarily outside on the street, this year's Street Soiree will feature a mix of indoor and outdoor festivities. Our new space allows us to host more interactive and engaging activities without the constraints of construction or our old facility." She continues, "Guests will have the exclusive opportunity to explore our brand-new exhibits and interactive spaces. The festivities will include guided tours, hands-on activities, and a sneak peek into our upcoming traveling exhibits. It's a perfect chance to experience the exciting new offerings at the museum while celebrating with us."

This year's event theme is inspired by some of the organization's best-loved children's storybooks and honors Tim and Lisa NeCastro, the Full STEAM Ahead Capital Campaign Co-Chairs. All proceeds raised from the event will directly contribute to the expERIEnce Children's Museum's expansion efforts and educational initiatives. There will be food, drink, and entertainment available, including performances from The Groove, Night Circus, Erika and Jesse, comedians from Flagship City Comedy, and dance from the Vybe Queenz. Additionally, interactive art activities and tours of the newly reopened facility will be offered.

Guests can tap into their inner child while supporting the museum's mission. Wickline explains, "The funds raised through the Street Soiree, our main fundraiser, are essential for the Museum's operations. They directly support our mission, including maintaining and updating exhibits, offering scholarships for camps and programs, and ensuring accessibility for children from all backgrounds through programs like Museums for All, which provides $3 admission for those with EBT/SNAP benefits."

Attending the Street Soiree is a fun way to impact future generations of Erie residents. Wickline notes, "Fundraising from the Street Soiree ensures we can provide enriching experiences and inspire the next generation of creative thinkers and explorers in Erie."

6 to 10 p.m. // expERIEnce Children's Museum, 420 French St. // $100 // For more information or for sponsorship opportunities visit: eriechildrensmuseum.org/street-soiree/