First Steps Trike Parade

Families, staff, alumni, and community supporters gathered at First Steps Early Child Development Center on April 30 to celebrate a major milestone, the center’s 20th Anniversary.

The celebration featured First Steps’ beloved Annual Trike Parade, where children proudly rode decorated tricycles, wagons, and strollers around the campus while teachers, parents, and community members cheered them on.

Bright colors, balloons, streamers, and creative themes transformed the event into a joyful celebration of childhood and community spirit.

Special awards were presented for categories including “Most Creative Trike,” “Brightest and Most Colorful,” “Best Family Effort,” and “Best 20 Years Theme.”

Earlier in the day, volunteer judges toured the entries and admired the creativity and effort families put into the parade decorations.

For Executive Director Lisa Nimmer, the event represented much more than a celebration.

“For 20 years, First Steps has been more than a child care center; it has been a place where children are loved, families are supported, and strong foundations are built for lifelong success,” Nimmer said.

“Watching generations of children grow through our program has been one of the greatest blessings.”

Since opening its doors in 2006, First Steps has become known throughout the community for its nurturing environment, commitment to high-quality early childhood education, and focus on the well-being of children and families.

The center serves children from infancy through Pre-K and emphasizes hands-on learning, social-emotional development, school readiness, and family engagement.

The anniversary celebration also highlighted the dedication of the teachers and staff members who have helped shape the center’s success over the past two decades.

Families expressed appreciation for the caring relationships, educational support, and safe environment the center has consistently provided.

The event concluded with birthday treats, music, laughter, and plenty of photo opportunities as children proudly showcased their decorated rides.

As First Steps looks toward the future, leadership says the mission remains the same: strengthening families and providing children with a strong, healthy start in life.

“Our heart has always been children,” Nimmer said. “Twenty years later, that commitment is stronger than ever.”