Apr 18 – Great Marshmallow Drop in Royal Oak
Royal Oak, MI – There is a lot to look forward to this spring as Oakland County Parks (OCP) presents two family-friendly events in April.
The Great Marshmallow Drop is up first and is definitely a fan favorite. Children of all ages are sure to watch in amazement as it “rains” marshmallows over a designated area of Worden Park in Royal Oak beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, April 18 thanks to a helicopter that will drop more than 15,000 fluffy marshmallows.
There will be four drop zone groups. Three will begin at 10 a.m.: Ages 4 and younger; ages 5-7; and ages 8-12. A drop for individuals with disabilities of all ages will begin at 11 a.m. An American Sign Language interpreter will be available and the Quiet Zone tent – a sensory inclusive space where sensory regulation tools, such as noise reducing headphones and fidget tools, are available – will be on site.
The Great Marshmallow Drop’s Presenting Sponsor is Zeal Credit Union. The event is also sponsored by Goldfish Swim School-Birmingham, Goldfish Swim School-West Bloomfield and ITC Holdings Corp.
“There is always much anticipation with this event,” Recreation Program Supervisor Melissa Nawrocki said. “Children are eager to see the helicopter approach and then secure the one marshmallow they need to collect a prize. This free event creates lots of fun memories for participants and their loved ones.”
The event is not a competition; all participants ages 12 and younger and individuals with disabilities will receive a prize.
Staff and volunteers will be on site to assist with parking, provide a safe boundary for kids to run in, distribute prizes and take care of other activities that support the program. This is a popular event, so participants are encouraged to arrive early for parking. No preregistration is required. Worden Park is located at the intersection of Lexington Boulevard and Crooks Road in Royal Oak.
The second event planned for this spring is Whimsical Woodlands from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 27 at Johnson Nature Center in Bloomfield Hills. OCP is the presenting sponsor of this event, where participants can enjoy magical experiences as they follow a whimsical woodland path sprinkled with fairy houses and gnome homes. Crafts, storytelling, activities, face painting, animals, a climbing tower, vendors and treats are also included. For more information, visit JohnsonNatureCenter.org/whimsicalwoodlands.
Both events require volunteer participation to be successful. Volunteer shifts for the Great Marshmallow Drop are available from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Register at VolunteerMatch.com. For more information, email Volunteer@oakgov.com or call 248-975-9717.
Whimsical Woodlands volunteers are needed to assist with activity tables, vendor support, trail map guidance, set-up, clean-up and trail maintenance. Interested persons can learn more at JohnsonNatureCenter.org/whimsicalwoodlands.
For information on other events, visit OaklandCountyParks.com. Join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.
