A bigger and better Children’s festival takes over the Exhibition Park, May 5-6.
The annual New Year’s Family Festival and the annual Children’s Festival have been combined into one big event featuring a variety of entertainment for kids and young adults of all ages.
“This event is child and family friendly. It’s for two days this year,” said Jackie French, who is responsible for booking entertainment for the event.
“There is something here for everyon
e such as Bob the Builder, who has a show on the Kid’s Channel,” she said.
The event will also include Bike Trials Stunt Show on both days, VKRADE virtual reality games and Escape From LA mini games of logic and puzzle solving. There will be plenty of critters with a petting zoo, Petland Pets plus Purrfect ending Cat Rescue Education and giveaways.
“There are events for teens like the BMX stunt show and the virtual reality games.
There will also be a variety of active entertainment including the Orbitron Twist and Spin, bouncy inflatable jumps, Monster Mural Table colouring
There will be special guests including Twistin’ Tex, creating balloon animals.
Spiderman and Iron man will be making appearances in the Main Pavilion on Friday only. Bob the Builder will be on hand in the South Pavilion both days. Bike Trials are at 3, 5 and 7 p.m. on Friday and 10:30 a.m 12:30 and 2:30 p.m., on Saturday.
“There will be different entertainment on Friday and Saturday,” French said.
There will be plenty of roving entertainers as well, like “Twistin’ Tex.”
“I’ve performed at many festivals,” said the Calgary based entertainer, who has not only performed at previous Children’s Festivals, but also at Whoop-Up Days as either Twistin’ Tex or Rainbow the Clown.
“ I’ve done the children’s festivals for the past seven years,” he observed, adding over his 27 year career as a clown, he has performed everywhere from Lethbridge to P.E.I and Fort Nelson.
He enjoys creating balloon sculptures and is always learning to improve his craft.
“I try to keep things fresh and current. I just learned how to make Minions from a video. It‘s fun learning to design and build things out of balloons,” he said.
Exhibition Park Marketing manager, Doug Kryzanowski said the time seemed right to expand the festival by combining the traditional New Year’s Eve Family Festival and the Children’s festival.
“We’re happy to present two great days of entertainment for five dollars,” Kryzanowski said, adding he hopes the event will attract 10,000 people over the weekend.
The hours are 3-8 p.m. on Friday, May 5 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 6.
Admission to the event is five dollars and free for three and under.
