Orem, Utah – As part of OremFest 2026, the popular “Kids Crafts” activity brought together hundreds of children and families on June 11 and 12 at Orem City Center Park. Held in one of the festival’s busiest family areas, the event provided a fun, creative, and welcoming environment where children could explore their artistic talents while enjoying quality time with their families.
Each year, OremFest serves as one of the city’s largest community celebrations, featuring entertainment, local vendors, family activities, cultural programs, and interactive experiences for residents and visitors alike. Among the festival’s highlights is “Kids Crafts,” an activity designed to encourage creativity, learning, and community engagement among children.
For our team, this year’s Kids Crafts activity was led by Debbie Lorette, a dedicated member of the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club. Supporting her were several volunteers, including Christina Alves, Abbie Fisher, Antoine Mwamba and Myself who spent two days helping children participate in the various activities offered throughout the event.
Photo of Debbie Lauret, Christina Alves, Abbie Fisher, Antoine Mwamba and Myself after the OremFest.
One of the most popular attractions was the distribution of balloons. Throughout both days, volunteers worked continuously to prepare balloons, attach ribbons, and hand them out to children. The excitement and joy on the children’s faces reflected how much these simple gestures meant to them and their families.
In addition to receiving balloons, children were invited to participate in a variety of arts and crafts activities. Tables were filled with drawing materials, coloring supplies, and decorative items that allowed participants to express their creativity. Children enthusiastically created colorful artwork while parents and family members watched and encouraged their efforts.
The second day featured a particularly memorable activity: the creation of personalized pins and badges. Children selected their favorite drawings, symbols, and designs—including American flag themes—and transformed them into custom pins they could proudly wear and take home. Many children were thrilled to see their own artwork turned into a finished keepsake.
Photo of Christina AlvesHelping Children Paint and Create Artwork Together
The atmosphere throughout the event reflected the true spirit of OremFest: bringing people together, strengthening community connections, and creating positive experiences for families. Local vendors, community organizations, and entertainment providers filled the park, while families from different backgrounds gathered to celebrate, socialize, and enjoy the festival.
For the volunteers involved, the experience was both meaningful and rewarding. Watching children laugh, create, and interact with others highlighted the importance of community-centered events that foster inclusion, friendship, and family engagement.
The success of Kids Crafts once again demonstrated how simple activities can have a lasting impact. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers such as Debbie Lorette, Christina Alves, Okoniaza, and many others, hundreds of children enjoyed two unforgettable days filled with creativity, happiness, and community spirit.
As OremFest 2026 came to a close, the memories created during Kids Crafts remained with the children and families who participated, serving as a reminder of the value of community service and the power of bringing people together through fun and meaningful experiences.
BY LOUYOKO NIANZA
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STUDENT REFLECTIVE ESSAYS
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26-06-20-Cristina Lyon - Orem Fest Kids Craft Service Project
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26-06-20-Sophie Jackson – UVU Student -Service-learning project 2 at UVU
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