For 25 years now, area organizers have been delighting kids of all ages with one of Prince Rupert’s most popular festivals of the year, the Children’s Festival.
Organized by Bev Killbery and the Prince Rupert Special Events Society, and sponsored by various businesses in town, this year’s Children’s Fest, taking place on Saturday, March 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., offers a whole host of games, activities, food and social fun that children, teens and adults alike can partake in.
“Lazer Fish (laser tag) is going to be our entertainment for the event again. I think this will be the fourth year for them,” said Killbery this week.
“It covers all ages of kids. It’s not just something for young kids and it’s not just something for older kids. It catches that middle section - probably [ages] six to 14. And the nice thing about Lazer Fish is they gear it so [the games are] age-appropriate when you go in,” Killbery added.
Lazer Fish will take place at the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre’s auditorium, with the rest of activities and games occurring in the civic centre’s gymnasium across the hall.
A bouncy castle, ‘Hammer ‘n Nails, a tattoo and face paint parlour, wall climbing, Good Times Games’ gaming booth and Angry Birds will all be returning for this year’s festivities.
As well, Swirl Art will be making its 25th appearance, having been with Children’s Fest since the festival’s very beginning days.
And not only are the games fun and exciting for the wee ones, but they also teach participants valuable lessons.
“It’s something we try and attract all families to because a lot of the activities are fun, but they’ve also got a little bit of an educational aspect to them,” Killbery said.
“‘Do not hit your thumb with the hammer’. That’s a good message everybody can use.”
Good Times Games will be present at Children’s Fest with a table dedicated to card games, table-top games and participants will even have cosplaying opportunities to dress up as their favourite mythical hero or villain.
Additionally, hot dogs, juice boxes, fruit and crackers and cheese trays will be on hand to be consumed by hungry festival goers, as well as Sno-Cones, cotton candy, popcorn and slushies.
“Admission is by donation. The only costs that will be associated is if you purchase something from the canteen. And it’s very reasonable - a hot dog and drink or juice box is around $2, something like that. The bouncy castle may be $2, just so we can keep track of how many kids are going in it, keep the system under control and so we can keep up the maintenance,” Killbery added.
“I’d like to thank all the businesses and service organizations because we wouldn’t have lasted 25 years without their generosity in town, whether they’re giving us a donation of cash or services.”