We hope this celebration will mark this moment in time and acknowledge the passing of time — reminding us that two things are equally true: Children First happened and it was important, and Children First is ending because nothing lasts forever.
We hope it will hold space for both gratitude and grief, invite reflection and remembering, help old friends reconnect, and allow us all to savor the pleasure of laying eyes on each other and being together in real life. And be SO MUCH FUN!
We are structuring Spiralpalooza to contain all the essential ingredients of a Children First experience…
- Lots of open time for play — with just ONE must-do
- Beautiful materials at the ready
- Free flow between indoor and outdoor spaces
- Lots of sensory play
- A big space for active play (we’re hoping to close the street for trikes, balls, chase and wild happy play!)
- Music and dancing
- A “Here We Are Together” Magic Circle moment — gathering and hearing every Children Firster’s voice
- Lots of simple and yummy snacks (before the Magic Circle)
- Pizza dinner and dessert after the Magic Circle
- RSVP as soon as you can — deadline is September 15, 2026
- Update your contact information so we can make sure you receive your snail mail and digital invitations
- Spread the word — forward this site to anyone in the Children First community we may have missed
- Order shirts!
- Sign up to volunteer — there are many possibilities!
- Revisit your portfolios — looking back before you arrive will make being there so much more meaningful
RSVP
Tell us you’re coming! Register your whole family or group.
T-Shirts
Designed by Durham illustrator Iris Gottlieb — featuring every Children First sign!
Volunteer
Many roles available — from setup crews to street play to the Magic Circle sound system.