Families Play Life-Sized Board Game, Get Support in Real Life
Shelley Hanson Trending
WHEELING -- Families got the chance to play a life-sized version of the beloved children's board game Candy Land at the Wheeling YMCA on Saturday.
The event was created by the Ohio County Family Support Center. The center's executive director, Lisa Sasso, said she spent several months creating the colorful candy scenes for the game. There were giant gum drops, licorice ropes, candy canes, lollipops, a gingerbread house and more.
Sasso got the idea to make the game life-sized after one of her employees told her she had a Candy Land-themed birthday party for their child.
Sasso spent most of the day setting up the giant board game on the gym floor before the event began in the late afternoon.
"It was a slow process to put it together. They all seem to be having a good time," she said.
Sasso said the Family Support Center is a fairly new organization. It is part of the Ohio County Family Resource Network.
The center is described as "a safe and welcoming place where families can go to get help and have fun."
Some of the help includes parenting classes, referrals, children's programming, emergency assistance and free family events like the Candy Land game.
Liam Iams, 9, of Wheeling said he enjoyed playing the giant game with his friend Lonnie Church, 13, of Wheeling.
"It was really fun ... And it was a while since I'd seen my friend Lonnie, ever since I got back from vacation," he said.
Liam's mother, Monica Goddard, also had a good time.
"It was fun. We got to come back and win in the end. They thought they had it so we had a great time," she said of her team.
The children also got to create a gingerbread man craft. They were treated to free food from Greco's as well.
Sasso said the center tries to have a free family activity at least once a month. For example, on Oct. 14 center families will get to watch Paw Patrol in a rented theater at The Highlands. On Nov. 4 the center will host an early Thanksgiving-style dinner and see a magic show. In December, they will have a holiday party at the Good Zoo at Oglebay Park. And in January the center will hold a pool party at the Wheeling YMCA.
Other programs and classes include 24/7 Dad, Circle of Parents, Tuning Into Teens and Family Bingo Night.
For more information about the center, call 304-905-0205, visit its Facebook page "Ohio County Family Support Center" or email familysupport@ocfrn.com.