More than 7,500 people are expected to attend this year's 4th Annual Central Alberta Children's Festival June 3 – 5. Organized by Family Services of Central Alberta's Parent Link program and a long roster of partners, the festival is designed for everyone to have fun with the theme of 'Never Grow Up'.
Festival coordinator Judy Scott says, "Our focus is interactive families. We try to expose families to a variety of activities and put a little spice in their lives in an affordable, fun way. It's for moms and dads and grandparents as well as kids and we hope to show that we don't need to be serious grown-ups all the time. Playing and having fun is important too."
The event gets bigger every year and provides unique opportunities for children to be active and learn while playing. It's designed to be a low cost event; an anytime pass is only $15 for a family of four and $5 for individuals. School classes can buy seven tickets and get the eighth one free. There are free snacks and water too.
Last year there were over 40 tents and activity centres so there will be lots to do. There will be an amazing maze, a circus camp, bouncers, bubble wrap to see how loud of a pop you can make, a bubble tub, a chalk walk, face painting and even a chance to milk a cow. The Red Deer Library will set up its storytelling tent where you can take a break to hear a story while enjoying the festival.
All that action means the event depends on about 450 volunteers to make everything happen and the festival still needs a few.
The festival mostly takes place at the Recreation Centre Park Friday and Saturday but kicks off on Thursday June 3 with a "Music is the Message" workshop and a performance in the Snell Auditorium at the downtown library by Canadian children's entertainer Fred Penner. He'll be performing on the weekend too. His interactive musical show starts at 3 p.m. and there will be snacks and a chance for autographs afterwards. Penner performs throughout North America and his television show, Penner's Place, ran on CBC from 1985 to 1997. He received the Order of Canada in 1991 for his ability to entertain young audiences.
Red Deer's own Flyin' Bob will also be performing. He is noted for his physical comedy and can juggle, balance and walk wires while making everyone laugh. Described as a one-man three-ring circus he has performed across North America and internationally.
Check out the festival web site for more information or to volunteer at www.centralalbertachildrensfestival.ca
