Nick’s Bricks returns April 18, turning remembrance into a day of play

WENATCHEE — What began as a way to honor a life has grown into one of the Wenatchee Valley’s most joyful traditions.

Nick’s Bricks returns on Saturday, April 18, bringing families together at the Wenatchee Convention Center for a day built around creativity, play and connection.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., tables will fill with LEGO creations, hands-on activities, games and giveaways. Kids drift from display to display, stopping to build, compare ideas or start something entirely their own. For many families, it’s a few hours of simple fun. For others, it’s become a tradition they return to each spring.

Nick’s Bricks was created by Kevin and Jayne Vitulli in memory of their son, Nicholas “Nick” Vitulli, whose curiosity, imagination and love of play continue to shape the spirit of the event.

Nick, who died in 2016 at age 24 while hiking in Africa, was known for his creativity, his kindness and his enthusiasm for building, games and music. He loved LEGOs, board games and storytelling, and carried what his family describes as a lasting sense of curiosity and joy.

That spirit is what fills the room each year.

What started as a tribute has grown into a community gathering that draws hundreds of families from across the valley. Children kneel at tables, carefully placing pieces one by one. Parents linger nearby. Strangers trade ideas. For a few hours, the focus stays on building something together.

This year’s event will again include opportunities for children to take home LEGO sets while supplies last, along with activities designed to encourage hands-on learning and creativity. Guests will also receive tickets to the Wenatchee Riverfront Railway and Navigation Center at Riverfront Park.

The impact of the event, and the family behind it, continues beyond a single day.

Kevin and Jayne Vitulli have been named the 2026 Apple Blossom Youth Parade Grand Marshals in recognition of their work creating opportunities for children across the region. They will be honored during the Youth Parade on April 25.

Nick’s Bricks is supported by the Nicholas H. Vitulli Memorial Fund and sponsored by Goodfellow Bros. and Cascade Autocenter, with prizes provided by Bricks and Minifigs Wenatchee.

Organizers also invite local builders of all ages to take part by sharing their own LEGO creations, continuing the tradition of creativity that defines the event.

More information, including how to participate as a builder, is available through the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media