When 5-year-old Julian Marin opened his eyes Saturday morning, he had one thing on his mind — doing something fun.
He suggested a variety of activities to his mother, who determined they were outside the family budget.
So, Andrea Marin looked online and learned the United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania was hosting its annual Pine Brook Family Arts Festival at John Adams Elementary School, which wouldn’t cost them anything.
Valerie Marin, 3, and Julian Marin, 5, enjoy an ice cream at the Pine Brook Family Arts Festival on Saturday, May 9, 2026.(GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Shown are art supplies offered to children at the Pine Brook Family Arts Festival on Saturday, May 9, 2026. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Families enjoy the Pine Brook Family Arts Festival on Saturday, May 9, 2026. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Josiah Gibson prepares to make a balloon animal for youngsters at the Pine Brook Family Arts Festival on Saturday, May 9, 2026. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
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Valerie Marin, 3, and Julian Marin, 5, enjoy an ice cream at the Pine Brook Family Arts Festival on Saturday, May 9, 2026.(GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
The family, which also includes 3-year-old Valerie, woke up, dressed up and headed out for the day.
It was a perfect event, Marin said, complete with crafts, free ice cream, face painting and even a bookmobile.
“I wish it hadn’t rained,” she said. “But, it’s still been a nice day.”
Director of Community Relations Erin Zablocki said the free event is a great opportunity for children to spend time with their families and get to know their neighbors.
In addition, two bicycles were raffled off at the festival.
“It’s both fun and educational, absolutely,” Zablocki said.
University students assist
University of Scranton sophomore Kristen Fitzsimmons gets her love of working with children from her mother, a kindergarten teacher. Volunteering for the event was an easy decision for her.
Fitzsimmons, an occupational therapy major, enjoyed seeing children’s eyes light up when they saw the colorful art supplies, including pipe cleaners, beads and construction paper.
“It’s heartwarming to be able to make a difference in a child’s life,” she said. “It gives me a sense of purpose.”
University of Scranton students participated in the event as part of the university’s Office of Community-Based Learning program.
Sophomore Gabriela Londono said she enjoyed helping the kids create art and seeing families come together for a community event.
It was her first time participating, but Londono said she hoped to do it again next year.
The festival also featured the Albright Memorial Library Bookmobile, offering books and other literacy resources.
Library clerk Brittany Bedford said the bookmobile will return to John Adams Elementary School this fall on a regular basis for the first time.
The bookmobile is filled with interesting reads for both children and adults, which include mysteries, biographies and nature books, she said.
Participation in Saturday’s event and others like it provides a chance to encourage area residents to get library cards and fully enjoy what the library has to offer.
The event is part of UNC’s Pine Brook Revitalization Plan and is made possible through funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Neighborhood Partnership Program, with multi-year support from Coterra Energy and Peoples Security Bank & Trust, and additional support from the city of Scranton.