The Children’s Room marks 40 years with annual Barn Dance

September 20, 2024  |  By Waterbury Roundabout 

Families enjoy hay rides at The Children's Room Barn Dance. Photo by Gordon Miller

Pony rides are a highlight at The Children's Room Barn Dance. Photo by Gordon Miller

There's dancing and more inside the barn at The Children's Room Barn Dance. Photo by Gordon Miller

It’s that time of year for The Children’s Room’s annual Barn Dance & Harvest Fest at Beard’s Barn but this year’s celebration has the extra bonus of marking the nonprofit’s 40th year in operation. 

Since 1984, The Children’s Room has been a gathering place and source of camaraderie for new parents and their children from infants through preschoolers.

Located in space inside Brookside Primary School, The Children’s Room is open weekdays following the school schedule. Its roomful of toys, games, dress-up clothes, books and more offers families a destination to visit with their small children for free playtime as well as organized activities both at the room and out in the community. 

Pony rides are a highlight at The Children's Room Barn Dance & Fall Harvest Fest each year. Courtesy photo

The annual Barn Dance & Fall Harvest Fest is the organization’s main fundraiser. This year it will take place on Sunday, Sept. 29, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Beard’s barn, at 1601 Barnes Hil Road in Waterbury Center. 

The all-ages event will include harvest snacks, pony rides, live music from the “Prohibition Pickers” as well as hay rides, facepainting, games and more. There’s a pie contest, so attendees are encouraged to bring a pie to share. 

Suggested donation: $25 per family (cash, check or Venmo). 

The Children's Room Barn Dance includes a pie contest with pies to judge (and eat). Courtesy photo