Got soul? You’re sure to find it at the 12th Annual Children’s Festival noon – 3 p.m. Sunday, April 6, at Tri-Rivers.

Festival-goers will find plenty of soul and “sole.” That’s because the afternoon of free family fun and entertainment will benefit Marion County’s Stand for Children team, with proceeds benefiting its “Cents for Shoes” program.

“Since Cents for Shoes began just 10 years ago, we’ve distributed over 5,000 pairs of children’s shoes,” explained Stand for Children chairman Robin Rick, who serves as director of Epworth Preschool & Daycare program. “Cents for Shoes is the only program in Marion County that provides vouchers for new shoes to needy children who qualify.”

Last year, that group provided 855 pairs of shoes to Marion County children ages 3 to 18.

Each child attending the Children’s Festival will receive a free book at the registration table, courtesy of the Stand for Children Committee and Children Services.

“Getting a new book is always a treat for any child,” Rick pointed out. “Plus, books can provide some quality time for parents to read to their children, and vice versa.”

Some of the festival’s attractions include a demonstration at noon from the Marion City Recreation Department’s AWARE Kids R Safe Kids. According to Rec Dept. Director Jeannie Brewer, this program centers on self defense and self awareness for children.

“We’ll provide some basic information for children to keep themselves safe,” Brewer explains. “This includes teaching kids to use their voice so that others know they mean business, and that they’re not just fooling around. We also talk about what to be aware of when walking home from school and when you’re out in public, such as in parking lots.” Brewer said children will also learn easy breakaways if a stranger should attempt to grab them.

At 1 p.m. the Bethlehem Dance Education & Ministry Arts will perform, while at 2 p.m. the Elgin South Jump Rope Team gives a demonstration.

Local agencies will provide craft–making, face painting, a bounce house, and child identification kits. Affordable snacks and drinks will be available, while area mascots such as Safety Pup, Sparky the Firedog, Andy the Ambulance, and Ted D. Bear will appear throughout the day.

Marion County Children Services is the major sponsor of the Children’s Festival, as part of its “Child Abuse Prevention Month” activities in April.

An all-volunteer program, the Stand for Children team is comprised of representatives from 13 child and family-serving agencies in Marion, as well as individuals who are committed to child welfare.

Individuals, businesses and organizations are encouraged to make tax-deductible contributions to Cents for Shoes, with checks made payable to: Stand for Children, ATTN: Robin Rick, Epworth Preschool & Daycare, 249 E. Center St., Marion 43302.