Reno, Nev. Sept 8, 2025. FAM Fest is back for year two at the Sparks Marina and inviting you to be the FAM by featuring a jam-packed, fun-filled family day to highlight the importance of supporting Washoe County’s foster children, youth and families.
The Washoe County Human Services (HSA) invites the community to become part of the FAM by hanging out and having fun with us along the water of the spectacular Sparks Marina on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. HSA Children’s Services is launching our new brand, “FAM,” which brings awareness to “Fostering, Adopting, and Mentoring,” in Washoe County. Whether you are a foster parent, an advocate for children, curious about fostering, adopting, or looking to make a difference, FAM Fest is for everyone. HSA’s mission is to support children in care by finding loving foster, adoptive parents, and dedicated mentors in our beloved community. Bring the whole family for a day filled with fun, laughter, and connection! This year’s FAM Fest will feature an exciting variety of FREE activities that kids and adults alike will love:
- Community Tug-of-War: Compete for a Cause!
Watch, or join, local teams, businesses, and community leaders as they battle it out for bragging rights—and the title of Champion for Foster Care Awareness. - Face Painting & Balloon Art.
Let imaginations run wild with colorful designs and whimsical balloon creations. - Meet Bluey!
Everyone’s favorite blue pup will be making special appearances for photos and hugs—don’t forget your camera! - Food Trucks & Treats.
Enjoy local food vendors, serving up delicious eats, drinks, and sweets for all appetites. - Live Entertainment & DJ.
Music, dancing, and performances from local youth groups will keep the energy high all day long. - Raffle Prizes & Giveaways.
Grab a FAM Fest Passport, visit info booths, and be entered to win exciting raffle prizes! - Interactive Booths & Games.
Learn more about fostering, adopting, and mentoring, through fun and engaging stations, hosted by community partners.
Who: Washoe County Human Services Agency Children’s Services Division.
What: FAM Fest 2025.
When: Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Sparks Marina, located at 1200 E Lincoln Way, Sparks.
Website: https://bethefam.washoecounty.gov/
FAM Fest brings together individuals, families, and organizations, who believe in the power of community, the importance of belonging, and focuses on the vital role we all play in supporting those involved in foster care. If you like to have fun, believe in children, and community, then this year’s FAM Fest is for you!
Foster
While HSA honors hundreds of foster parents for providing a supportive, nurturing, and safe home for vulnerable children, Washoe County is also facing a severe shortage of homes and families. There are currently more than 600 children in care and fewer than 400 foster families. A foster parent provides a safe, stable and loving home for children who must live away from their parents, due to neglect or abuse. HSA works tirelessly to reunite children with their families whenever possible and foster parents assist the agency in achieving that goal, whenever possible.
Adoption
Providing a child a forever home through adoption is a great way to change the course of a child’s life as well. Adopting a child into your family provides love, care, and protection that is critical to human development. The main purpose of the Adoption Program is to find families for children, not children for families. The application and approval process is a family-friendly, child-centered approach that focuses on developing potential adoptive families. Those interested in adopting can begin the process now by clicking here to watch a short information session video.
Mentoring
For those unable to foster or adopt, mentoring can change a child’s life for the better. Our Mentor Program takes only one hour a week. Mentors become a role model and a friend to a child by doing something fun or taking a child to various events and activities.
To learn more, take-a-look at our new, interactive, state of the art website.
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