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HOST AN IMAGINATION STATION

 

Imagination Fest is a community celebration of literacy designed to engage children and families in the joy of reading. The event features themed Imagination Stations – interactive, book-inspired activity booths hosted by local service groups, companies, nonprofits, or other community groups.  

Event proceeds support United Way of Southeast Minnesota’s Imagination Library program and its mission to foster a lifelong love of reading. Children who participate in Imagination Fest will receive a free book from our Imagination Library program, which provides more than 42,000 books annually to over 4,300 children in Olmsted County.  

EVENT DETAILS

  • Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026
  • Time: 9a.m. - 1p.m.
  • United Way Building in Pipsqueaks Gymnasium
  • Attendees: approximately 200 local families with children ages 2-7

IMAGINATION STATION OVERVIEW

United Way of Southeast Minnesota invites organizations and community groups to design and host an interactive Imagination Station at Imagination Fest! Each station should be inspired by a children's book and offer a hands-on, family-friendly activity that sparks creativity and curiosity. As you host, you will help make the magic happen, creating engaging experiences for kids and family while supporting our local Imagination Library program.

Example Stations:

  • "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" Cookie Decorating
  • "When You Love a Book" Storytime Corner
  • "Pete the Cat" Music & Movement 

HOST BENEFITS

All Imagination Station hosts will receive:

  • Banner/logo recognition at your station
  • Name recognition on the Imagination Fest website
  • Name recognition on the event's stamp rally/passport
  • The joy of connecting with families and sparking young imaginations!

HOST EXPECTATIONS

Imagination Station hosts are asked to:

  • Design their Imagination Station in alignment with the event's theme of youth literature
  • Incorporate creativity and family engagement into their activity
  • Provide and manage all materials, supplies, and staffing for their booth
  • Collaborate with United Way staff and the Imagination Fest Committee, who will provide event coordination, guidance, and on-site support

BECOME A HOST

Ready to join us? Submit your Imagination Station Form by January 30, 2026. Spots are limited -- stations will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis (maximum of 10).

 

Questions? Please contact Elissa Sherden, Corporate Engagement Manager, at elissas@uwsemn.org or 507-529-4830.