Games, face painting, food and child friendly animals will all be part of “Zoo Party In The Park,” sponsored by the Exchange Club of Vicksburg Child and Parent Center, Inc.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p. m., Saturday, at Catfish Row Park in downtown Vicksburg.

“Zoo Party In The Park” will kick off a year of events planned to celebrate the organization’s 30 years of service to the Warren County community, said Erma Driver the executive director of the Vicksburg Child and Parent Center.

“We have reached a major milestone, and I am grateful for 30 years of community support,” she said.

“The party will be filled with family friendly music and entertainment from young local talents, Driver said, and will also include a cake walk and a specialty cake auction.

The animals at the event will be on loan from the Jackson Zoo, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science and the Alcorn State University Agriculture Department, she said.

“There is no fee to enter the event, but we are asking for a 50-cent donation for each game ticket,” Driver said.

Proceeds from “Zoo Party In The Park” will allow the CAP Center to continue to fund projects, Driver said, which include mentoring and supporting teens transitioning into adulthood, speaking on behalf of an abused or neglected child in court, providing parenting skills that nurture the bond between a child and the parent, leading family violence prevention discussions for adults and middle school students, providing a one-week summer enrichment camp for teens and sponsoring community-wide awareness activities.

Driver said she is thankful for all the community support that has been shown to the Cap Center from their many partners and volunteers.

“It has been a blessing for us,” she said.

For those interested in donating items for “Zoo Party In The Park” or to volunteer to help at the event, call 601-634-0557.