Lorain With Littles plans fall events, moves toward nonprofit status

Lorain With Littles is preparing for a busy October with two family events, including its largest fundraiser of the year.

The group will host the Blippi Bootacular on Oct. 26, at Puskas Pavilion, 2493 North Ridge Road in Lorain.

The Halloween-themed event will feature a live Blippi impersonator, music, crafts and a children’s costume contest.

Attendance is capped at 100 participating children, with additional tickets available for parents, siblings and grandparents.

Sarah Puskas, founder of Lorain With Littles, said the Blippi event has become the group’s biggest draw since it started.

“Our first one sold out, the parking lot was full and we had people calling asking if we had extra tickets,” Puskas said. “The kids love it, and it’s been a huge hit every year.”

The group also will host a Pumpkin Patch Play Date on Oct. 11.

The event is open to the public and continues the group’s mission of introducing families to affordable activities around Lorain County, Puskas said.

Funds raised at the Blippi Bootacular will help Lorain With Littles finalize its nonprofit certification, she said.

The group is close to becoming a 501(c)(3), which will allow it to apply for grants and secure sponsors.

“We’ve been trying to step it up a bit more and get more official and have some funding in the bank,” Puskas said. “In the past, it’s very much been funded out of my pocket or from moms involved donating things.”

Lorain with Littles has grown into vibrant resource for parents, caregivers

Lorain With Littles began in January 2023 as a social media page highlighting free and low-cost activities for families.

Since then, it has grown into a network that organizes its own play dates and community gatherings, Puskas said.

“Littles are only little for a couple years,” she said. “It’s so fleeting and quick, and I want families to really make the most of it.”

Puskas also said her motivation came from her experience as a first-time mother during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she struggled with postpartum depression and sought out community programming.

“Partnering is so much easier when you’re not alone,” she said. “It changed my parenting journey.

“I realized there were so many free and affordable opportunities families weren’t taking advantage of, and I wanted to share that.”