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There are rarely opportunities to see hundreds of butterflies in one location, but Appleton’s City Park will provide that opportunity in one of the most visually striking events of the season. On June 17, Parent Connection will be holding their ninth annual Butterfly Festival which kicks off at 9 a.m. With fun activities such as face painting, inflatable activities and butterfly demonstrations, the festival reaches its peak just before noon with the release of more than 1,000 butterflies.

“Every year, there are a lot of unique activities for kids like the butterfly relay race, hair painting, yarn caterpillars, butterfly face masks, planting station, art projects, football toss, yoga in the park and spinning the prize wheel. Each activity is sponsored by local organizations who are excited to interact with and provide a fun experience for families,” said Patricia Heeg, special events coordinator at Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin. Parent Connection is a program of Family Services, which has been providing services for individuals and families since 1899.

Donations and sponsorships from the Butterfly Festival are critical components of Parent Connection’s revenue, which funds parenting workshops and other resources that encourage, strengthen and support families in northeastern Wisconsin. The Festival’s slogan is “Helping Families Fly” and takes its theme from the program’s goals. According to Wendy Schwalbe, program manager of Parent Connection, “The goal of Parent Connection is to help new parents transition into parenthood and give them the tools needed to be the best parents they can be. It is like nurturing a cocoon and watching the butterfly unfold and eventually fly on their own.”

For more information on the festival, visit Parent Connection’s website.