For 10 years, The Empowerment Factory has believed that building healthier communities begins with investing in children and families. What started as a neighborhood art walk has grown into one of Pawtucket’s most anticipated family celebrations: a day where creativity, wellness, and community come together to inspire healthier, happier lives.
Join them on Saturday, August 29, when they will proudly host its 10th Annual Healthy Living Community Event from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, at Slater Park as part of the Pawtucket Arts Festival.
Best of all, every activity is completely free thanks to the generosity of local sponsors, volunteers, and community partners who believe every family deserves access to meaningful experiences, regardless of income.
Throughout the day, families can enjoy hands-on arts and crafts activities, a bouncy house, unicorn corral, a field of bubbles, face painting, games, raffles, and prizes. Guests will also meet local organizations offering community resources for children and families. Every activity is thoughtfully designed to encourage healthy choices while building creativity, confidence, and positive relationships.
“It’s great even for the grownups to just…remember to be a kid and get creative and have a good time,” said one attendee.
The event also showcases the power of collaboration. Each year, businesses, nonprofits, schools, civic organizations, artists, educators, and volunteers come together to create an unforgettable experience for local families. Their generosity transforms a community event into a celebration of everything that makes Pawtucket strong—neighbors helping neighbors, organizations working together, and people investing in the next generation.
“It’s really good for our community, for everybody, to be able to access art…and learning positive things to do that they can bring home and do together too,” said one family in attendance.
Over the past decade, participants have painted Kindness Rocks, folded Peace Cranes, planted pollinator gardens, created community murals, written Kindness Cards for local seniors, and contributed to the Wishing Tree art installation, which continue to brighten the Baldwin Loop Walking Path in Pawtucket. These projects remind children that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a lasting difference.
Looking back over the past decade, the Healthy Living Community Event has evolved in remarkable ways. It began as the Community Hero Art Walk, featuring superhero-themed activities and the unveiling of student-created Healthy Living Murals. In the years that followed, families celebrated the opening of the Pollinator Garden, explored the Reading Robots free library project, participated in environmental education activities, and enjoyed scavenger walks that encouraged movement, curiosity, and exploration.
As the Healthy Living Community Event celebrates its 10th anniversary, it stands as a testament to what is possible when a community comes together with a shared purpose. Thousands of children and family members have participated over the years, creating memories while learning that healthy living includes caring for ourselves, caring for others, and caring for our community.
“It’s great for bonding,” said one father in attendance. “It gets them off the tablet, gets them to be more creative. That’s my favorite part about it—them just bringing out their creativity.”
This year’s celebration promises even more opportunities for families to create, laugh, play, exercise, and discover new ways to live healthy, connected lives. Whether making art, participating in games, meeting community partners, or simply enjoying time outdoors together, every experience is designed to strengthen relationships and build a sense of belonging.
“At The Empowerment Factory, we believe creativity is much more than making art,” says Executive Director Gail Ahlers. “Creative experiences teach children to solve problems, express emotions, work collaboratively, and develop confidence in their own ideas. Art is a powerful vehicle for building social-emotional skills that help young people succeed in school, at home, and throughout their lives.”
Over the past decade, the Healthy Living Community Event has welcomed thousands of families and become a beloved Pawtucket tradition, proving that when a community invests in its children, everyone benefits. It’s more than a day of fun. It’s an investment in the future of our community. It reminds us that when children have access to creativity, encouragement, healthy activities, and caring adults, they develop the confidence, resilience, and compassion needed to thrive.
The Empowerment Factory invites everyone to join the celebration on Saturday, August 29, and experience firsthand the joy of creativity, the importance of wellness, the power of kindness, and the strength of community. Sign up for event updates, volunteer opportunities, or to donate at www.empowermentfactory.org/10th-hlce-2026.
The Empowerment Factory is a non-profit organization dedicated to giving children the skills they need to lead happier, and healthier, more empowered lives through the development of creativity, self-esteem, and civic pride.
The Empowerment Factory is located on 999 Main Street, #707, in Pawtucket.
Further information may be obtained by contacting Gail at 401-365-1010/office or 401-935-3939/cell. You may also visit their website at www.TheEmpowermentFactory.org.
Written by Mark Berger – Berg’s Eye Communications – Markb@bergseyeprri.com
