Squeals of laughter filled Ames High School gymnasium Saturday afternoon as the Story County Community Partnerships for Protecting Children hosted its third annual Family Fest.

Open and free to the whole community, Family Fest showcased the resources and activities available for families in Story County. Kids of all ages and their families had fun with face painting, inflatables, Cy, ISU spirit squads, the Ames Fire Department and a raffle drawing with prizes.

In support with the Department of Human Services and Story County Decategorization, Story County Community Partnerships for Protecting Children — CPPC — puts on this event. This was only the third year CPPC has hosted Family Fest, but there is continued growth and interest in the event every year.

Natalie Hashemi-Toroghi is the Decategorization coordinator for CPPC, and as one of the main planners in charge of Family Fest, she emphasized the importance of this event for families and children.

“We really want to showcase all the different agencies and provide resources so families in the area can know what’s available to them if they should ever need anything,” she said.

With more than 25 booths, there was plenty for families to take a look at and find something of interest. Hy-Vee, Bikers Against Child Abuse Iowa, Iowa Public Television, Perfect Games and Birthright of Ames were just a few of the agencies.

Story County Decategorization and Story County CPPC work together with families in the county to ensure the safety and care of all children. The groups are working on raising awareness of the CPPC program, and a website will be launched within a month with information of the resources CPPC has for children and families to use.

“Working for CPPC is all about finding a gap in the community and being able to take creative action to fill that gap,” Hashemi-Toroghi said.

AmeriCorps, a government program focused on national and community service, was also helpful in this event going off without a hitch.

Members of the Des Moines chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse or B.A.C.A, an organization that focuses on taking a stand against all forms of child abuse, were a big part of the attendance Saturday.

“We’re really here to empower kids, make them feel safe and help them not to be afraid of the world,” said K-Bomb, a B.A.C.A. member.