Everything You Need to Know about ECFE/PAiiR’s 50th Anniversary Events + Celebrations

This post is sponsored by Rochester ECFE/PAiiR

Throughout the 2024-25 school year, ECFE/PAiiR will be hosting events, small and large, to celebrate our 50 years of serving the Rochester early childhood community! Most of these events are tailored to 0-5 year olds and their families. We look forward to seeing you!

Click the buttons below to see the ECFE/PAiiR events planned for each season Summer 2024 – Spring 2025!

This guide will be updated throughout the year, but you can always check the ECFE/PAiiR social media for the most up-to-date information.

Facebook | Instagram

2024 Early Childhood Fall Catalog

Mails July 24th, 2024 – Sept-Dec

Includes courses running from September through December

Rochester Community Education 50th Anniversary Celebration

Saturday, August 3 | 10 AM-2 PM

Cascade Lake Park | 88 23rd Ave SW, Rochester, MN 55902

This year also marks Rochester Community Education’s 50th anniversary! To kick off the celebrations, they are hosting a vibrant community event that’s sure to be fun for all ages. The amphitheater will feature exciting performances, including Knufunk, African Dance, and Poetry Out Loud. Enjoy delicious offerings from popular food trucks such as Bleu Duck, Flapdoodles, Shell’s Kitchen, TruSmoke BBQ, and Midnight Munchies. Plus, there will be plenty of activities to participate in, including henna, storytime, drop-in crafts, an art show, and much more!

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1st Annual Rochester ECFE 5K and Family Fun Run 

Saturday, September 28 – 5K Begins at 8:30 AM, Family Fun Run Begins at 10:30 AM

Soldiers Memorial Field Park |  244 Soldiers Field Dr. SW, Rochester, MN 55902 

The 5K will start at 8:30 AM with the Family Fun Run to follow, around 10:30 AM. The whole family is invited to join the fun! Come out for the baby crawl, toddler and preschool heats, and even some big kid races! We will also have food options available for purchase and games in the green space of the park. REGISTER NOW!

5K – $40 | Family Fun Run – FREE!

Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo

Saturday, October 12th  |  10 AM-12 PM

5731 County Road 105 NW, Byron, MN 55920

Join ECFE for this FREE family outing! We will do a nature craft, enjoy storytime, visit the Zollman Zoo animals, and play with friends in the nature play space. Catch the bus at Northrop or meet us there! Register online to ride the bus. There is no need to register if you will meet us at Oxbow.

2025 Early Childhood Winter Catalog

Mails November 4th, 2024 

Includes courses running from January through March

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Guest Speaker, Dianne Haulcy, President and CEO of The Family Partnership

Monday, February 17, 2025 |  5:30-6:30 PM

Dakota Middle School | 5501 65th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901

We are thrilled to have an opportunity for an interactive discussion with a well-known Minnesota advocate for children and families. The Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) Little Moments Count Early Risers podcast Haulcy created and hosts discusses how to talk to young children about race and racism. In two seasons the 14 episode series has attracted 40,000 downloads. Dianne will meet with community members, including childcare providers and programs for families as well as parents who attend Rochester ECFE.

ECFE Family Library Night

Thursday, February 20, 2025 | 5-6 PM

Rochester Public Library | 101 2nd St. SE, Rochester, MN 55904

Join ECFE at the Rochester Public Library for an engaging family event. Library staff will interact with children, read a book, and take families on a tour. This is a great time to get a library card, as well.

ECFE Family Talent Show

Saturday, March 15, 2025 | 10 AM

Willow Creek Middle School Auditorium | 2425 11th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904

This family-friendly event is packed with fun for all ages, featuring amazing student and adult performances. Enjoy a lively mix of music, juggling acts, and many more surprises! Bring your friends and family to cheer on these talented performers!

2025 Early Childhood Spring/Summer Catalog

Mails February 6th, 2024

Includes courses running from April through June

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Transportation Fair & Open House

Saturday, May 10th, 2025 | 10:00 AM-12:30 PM

Goose Egg Park |  198 10th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901

Don’t miss out on this family and community favorite made even more special this year with an Open House to tour the classrooms at Northrop and a concert by Five-Time Grammy® Nominee Justin Roberts. 

Come explore the vehicles that ignite your young child’s imagination! Children can sit behind the wheel of a dump truck, a snowplow, a police car, and more. They can turn wheels, honk horns, and learn about the vehicles from the people who drive them. Food will be available to purchase.

Family Concert featuring Justin Roberts

Saturday, May 10th | 1:30-2:30 PM

Goose Egg Park | 198 10th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901

Beginning shortly after the transportation fair has wrapped up, Five-Time Grammy® Nominee Justin Roberts will take the stage. His fun, lively music is perfect for children and their grown-ups. He will keep kids moving and engaged while adults will appreciate his clever lyrics and insight into children. Food and memorabilia will be available to purchase throughout the concert.

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This guide will be updated throughout the year, but you can always check our social media for the most up-to-date information.

Facebook | Instagram

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