Ronald McDonald, Bounce Houses and over 35 activity booths highlight the 15th annual Kidsfest, which returns to the Marion Centre on Saturday, February 22, 2014. The annual KidsFest consists of mostly free activities, games, prizes, entertainment, and more, all aimed at toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary aged children.
Performers will entertain on two stages this year. When the mall doors open at 10:00am, singing performances will begin with Oppossum Place, who will be performing his “Marion Song” for early attendees.
The always popular Ronald McDonald Magic Show begins at 11:00am.
Three area dance studio’s are participating again this year” Martha Douce at 11am, , Bethlehem Dance at 1pm and Diverse Moves at 3pm.
Another popular act that returns from last year is a visit from the Toledo Zoo with some of their animals. The Zoo’s presentation on endangered animals begins at 1:00pm.
Returning this year is a Diaper Derby. Festival organizers say that parents of toddlers in diapers may register their child to compete in a crawling “race”, which will be held near the main stage at noon. The winners of each heat will earn cases of diapers, courtesy of AHP of Delaware. Registration is at a table near the stage.
Familiar booths and activities return to the Centre’s main concourse, including face painting from Marion City Schools.
Four inflatables will be located underneath the skylight at the mall center. There will be an inflatable bounce house set aside especially for children aged 4 and under. Each inflatable costs $1 per turn or patrons can purchase all-day ride passes for $5.00.
“If you arrive at 10, that’s 6 hours of entertainment for just $5 per child. As a parent myself, I know how hard it is to find inexpensive fun for kids, especially during the winter,” said festival organizer, Gary Rivers.
Food and drinks will also be for sale. Thanks to the generosity of Kroger and East of Chicago Pizza, all proceeds will go towards area youth groups.
The 2014 KidsFest is made possible through the support of McDonalds, Streetwise Motors, Tri-Rivers Career Center, Marion County Children Services, Peltier Chiropractic, Bluefusion Entertainment Center, Fox Chase Apartments, Replay Gameworks, Classic Rock 95.1 FM and dozens of other sponsors.
For more information, visit the Kidsfest page at 951rocks.com/kidsfest-2014
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