Free, Family-Friendly Imagination Fest Is Coming to Rochester This March

A brand new, adorable, family-friendly event is coming to Rochester, MN at the end of March that celebrates reading and storytelling.

It's called Imagination Fest, and it'll be taking place Saturday, March 21st, from 9 AM to 1 PM at United Way of Southeast Minnesota. Best of all, it's free to attend, but you can purchase tickets. I'll explain more later.

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United Way of Southeast Minnesota Book Event for Kids

At Imagination Fest, there will be all sorts of fun activities that you kids can get involved in, including the Imagination Stations.

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The Imagination Stations will feature activities based on kids' books. For example, "a petting zoo inspired by Llama Llama, a fencing demonstration inspired by Not All Princesses Dress in Pink, and a cookie decorating station inspired by Buffalo Fluffalo."

That sounds so fun! I can imagine how excited the kiddos would be to see one of their favorite books come to life.

Also on the docket for the day are storytime spaces and presentations from local authors. Plus, every kid will get to go home with a free book (while supplies last).

Imagination Fest at United Way of Southeast Minnesota

While Imagination Fest is a free event, there is an option to buy tickets if you're able to/want to.

The ticket proceeds benefit United Way's Operation of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Through this program, thousands of kids in Olmsted County, who otherwise wouldn't have their own book collection at home, get free books.

If you'd like to buy a ticket in advance, it'll allow you to skip the line to enter the event and will guarantee one free book per child. The recommended minimum donation for a ticket is $5 (but of course, you can donate more if you'd like).

United Way mentions on their website that a donation of $25 will provide a child in Olmsted County with one year of free books.