It will be a day for the kids on Saturday, May 13.
The Kootenay Children’s Festival, running for it’s 32nd year, will take over the field at Mount Baker Secondary School to provide all sorts of entertainment and activities focused on families and kids.
The festival — billed as the longest running free festival in B.C. and Alberta — will include participation from community service groups and local musical talent, all kicking off at 10 a.m. and running till 4 p.m.
Activities include a climbing wall, face-painting,cookie-decorating, Ktunaxa dancers and the Aqamniks drummers, while mascots from Tim Hortons and the Kootenay Ice will be present.
Representatives from the Sam Steele Sweethearts, the College of the Rockies, Cranbrook Fire and Emergency Services and the RCMP will also be on site to participate in activities with the kids.
Natalie Rudrum, one of the organizers behind the Kootenay Children’s Festival, praised the response the event has received.
“There are great partnerships with the community,” said Rudrum. “What I really, really want to get across this year is how thankful we are for the community support.”
While local businesses and organizations have stepped up to help with the funding, the festival is being administered under a local non-profit this year, which has allowed the opportunity for grant funding.
Rudrum stresses the importance of keeping the festival a free event, while also praising the community for stepping up with financial and in-kind support.
The only thing that comes with a cost is paying for the food vendors, as five will be on site.
Volunteers are always needed, so if anyone wishes to help out for the day, head down to the field and look for the administration tent and other volunteers, who will be wearing bright red shirts.