The United Way of Northern New York is continuing its focus on assisting working families by giving them free entertainment Saturday.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Thompson Park pavilion, the United Way will join forces with the Watertown Family YMCA for the second annual Family Fun Day. Free to any family, the event will offer activities, food and community interaction.

“This is a nice way to say ‘thank you’ to so many of our donors, and we also emphasize programs and services for working families,” said Jayn M. Graves, United Way chief professional officer. “This is something they can take advantage of.”

Representatives from United Way partner agencies, such as Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways, Literacy of Northern New York, the American Red Cross of Northern New York, Credo Community Center for the Treatment of Addictions and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County, will be on hand to share information about their programs and services for families.

The United Way’s focus has been on working families throughout each of its recent campaigns since many partner agencies are seeing an increase in the number of working families seeking help with basic necessities.

The Family Fun Day is one day when local families can stay close to home and enjoy entertainment such as old-fashioned footraces, a clown, tug-of-war, face painting, visits from animals from the New York State Zoo at Thompson Park, and visits from various local emergency personnel.

Rebecca L. Reed, Y outreach branch director, said the Y has supported the event for two years now simply to get families active.

“It’s all about coming out, having fun and being active,” she said. “It’s really a celebration of the community.”

A free barbecue lunch will be offered. Last year, about 140 people attended the event. Miss Graves said she’d like to see at least 200 people this year.

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