Several local churches and nonprofit organizations in downtown Delaware are starting an annual community event for families Saturday.

The inaugural “Delaware Family Festival” is sponsored by nine groups from the Winter Street area. Organizers say they hope the block party will build community and fellowship with music, free activities and food for people of all ages in the Delaware community.

Sponsors are Andrews House, Family Promise, Helpline, Women’s City Club, First Baptist Church, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, William Street United Methodist Church and Zion United Church of Christ.

The Rev. Terry Highland of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church said the event has been in the works for six months.

“Let’s give a ‘thank you’ to the community from all our churches and outreach programs,” he said.

The event will take place on Winter Street between Franklin and Washington streets with road closures to secure the event, Highland said.

Activities for the event will include: a bounce house; music; dance demonstrations by Fred Astaire Dance Studio and the YMCA dance club; demonstrations from Ruffing Martial Arts; face painting; free haircuts; caricatures; lawn games; and craft stations.

There will also be free lunch from noon to 1 p.m. on first-come, first-served basis. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Highland expects up to 300 people to attend.

“Our goal is to do stuff like this every year,” he said.

For more information, call 740-369-3175.