There’s a place where Canada Day is just for kids.
The free children’s festival is ready to roll out at the Salmon Arm Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 1.
Some 5,000 children and their families enjoyed last year’s event and organizers are expecting just as many to show up for the fun, games and food this year.
Included in the 2012 festivities is a main stage featuring Kiki the Eco Elf, Michael Mitchell, Neale Bacon and his Crazy Critters, and local musical group, One Camel Short.
Mitchell is renowned as the “Troubadour of Canada’s Heritage.” This award-winning singer, songwriter and storyteller is on a never-ending mission to stir up some patriotic spirit in the hearts and minds of all Canadians through lively songs and humorous stories of our history, geography and some of the wacky quirks that identify us as Canadians.
Neale Bacon and his Crazy Critters offer squeaky-clean family entertainment featuring ventriloquism, comedy, and magic.
New for 2012 will be free wagon rides offered by Joyce Marchant. Other free activities include several inflatable bouncy houses, a dance exhibition by local dance studios, 4H small animal display, plus lots of arts and activity tents.
The dance studio will be set up in the arena so the show can go on – in comfort – rain or shine.
Organizers have created a free festival so all area children and their families can join in the Canada Day fun.
Fifty-cent games will be there for the playing, including the ever-popular fish pond, tattoo parlour and wacky hair salon.
First Nations dancing will take place just before the 12:30 p.m. cake cutting ceremony.
Other eats will be available too:
The Shuswap Family Resource Centre will serve hamburgers and hotdogs. As well, Shuswap Rotary will sell Panago pizza, with all proceeds going back to the festival. Superspuds will serve French fries and smokies and Icebreakers will be on hand to provide shaved ice in many flavours. As well, Janet Meunier will be cooking up hotdogs and hamburgers.
Shuswap Daycare will have plenty of freezies, pop, water and juice on hand. Families are also welcome to take their own picnic lunches.
RCMP will do free photographs and finger-printing through the Child Find program.
Every child gets one free ticket on entry, and if they are wearing red, they get a bonus ticket.
“The drive for volunteers is on,” says organizer Kari Wilkinson. “We need help with set-up, take-down on June 30th and July 1st, as well as people to help out during the festival. Certificates are issued for all volunteers.”
If anyone is interested in event sponsorship, including providing an item for the silent auction, get in touch with the organizers prior to June 25.
“The entire festival is put on through the support of local organizations and businesses,” says Wilkinson. “A special thank you to our humongous sponsor, the Salmon Arm Rotary Club.”
For more information, or to volunteer, call Karen Bubola at 250-832-6192 or Kari Wilkinson at 250-832-826, or visit www.sachildrensfest.com.
