Written By: Nora Wallace

The Family Resource Fair and Books & Bubbles, a free community event designed to connect local families with valuable resources while celebrating National Breastfeeding Month, will take place Aug. 21.

The event, co-sponsored by a host of area organizations and agencies and funded partially by a grant from First 5 Santa Barbara County, will take place from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Ryon Park, 800 W. Ocean Ave. The event will be located near the playground area of the park.

The Family Resource Fair will bring together organizations dedicated to supporting families with young children through education, health resources and engaging activities.

It is hosted in partnership with Lompoc Valley Medical Center, California WIC, Help Me Grow Santa Barbara County, the Lompoc Public Library and Charlotte's Web Mobile Children's Library, County of Santa Barbara Health, Children’s Resource and Referral Santa Barbara County, Planned Parenthood California Central Coast, MP Health/Mariposas Project, Santa Barbara County Health Maternal Child and Adolescent Health, Lompoc Valley Community Healthcare Organization and Communify.

"By bringing together trusted community partners in one location, we can help connect families with the services and support they need while creating a fun and welcoming environment for parents and children,” said Regional Breastfeeding Liaison Shantal Hover-Jones, MPH, CLES, CLC, with Santa Barbara County Health.

As part of the event, the Lompoc Public Library will present its popular Books & Bubbles program featuring Charlotte's Web Mobile Children's Library, including a bilingual story time beginning at 10:30 a.m. Children can also enjoy crafts, bubbles and interactive activities throughout the morning.

In recognition of National Breastfeeding Month, LVMC's certified lactation consultants will lead a Breastfeeding Support Circle, offering guidance, encouragement and education for new and expecting parents in a supportive setting.

The event is free and open to the public and no registration is required.

Attendees will also enjoy:

• Community resources for families
• Diaper, children's book and prize giveaways
• Lactation supply giveaways
• Free iced coffee bar
• Complimentary lactation cookies from RadaSweets Co.
• Activities and crafts for children

All giveaways during the event will be provided while supplies last. Diapers are being donated by Children’s Resource and Referral Santa Barbara County. They will be available for giveaway while supplies last.