Jacksonville Review – June 2024
Mother Goose, dragons, and more captivate at the 58th Children’s Festival.
KIDS CAN EXPERIENCE what it’s like to be inside a giant bubble, read a story with Mother Goose, and nail together their own wooden keepsakes among many more fun and interactive activities!
The event, themed “Read, Rejoice, Remember,” is dedicated this year to the late Pat Blair and illustrates her passion for reading and creativity. Pat Blair is one of the “founding mothers” and an integral part of the Children’s Festival. She created Fred the Dragon who has become a recognizable mascot of the Children’s Festival. As the festival has grown and evolved over time, so has Fred!
This innovative event will bring out the creativity of both the young and the young at heart, as it has for generations. Be prepared for lots of hands-on fun with an array of arts and crafts booths, including clay sculpting, face painting, science, gold panning, leather, carpentry, storytelling, child-focused stage performances, and much, much more!
The three-day festival, taking place July 13th to 15th, run by more than 700 volunteers, is expected to draw in close to 6,000 people and includes over thirty interactive booths, two rubbish-eating dragons, one queen, 16 stage acts, and even three dance parties!
But the Children’s Festival is not just about arts and crafts; it’s also about nurturing a love for reading and literacy. In today’s fast-paced world, where screens often dominate our attention, instilling a passion for books and storytelling is more crucial than ever. The festival is designed to encourage kids to not only continue to read during the summer but also to fall in love with reading and literacy. It’s never too early to show your kids the importance of books and how much fun reading can be! Because of this, we have activities to draw in everyone, from the youngest toddler to the older kids too!
Countless studies throughout the years have shown the importance of reading for the development of children’s brains. It not only helps with overall vocabulary, but it also increases imagination, empathy, and connections. Children who read and are read to develop many skills that will have a lasting impact. The Storytelling Guild’s mission is to help ensure that children in the local community not only have access to books in their homes but also to provide opportunities for children to be exposed to the magic of books and the joy of reading.
The Festival is the Guild’s major fundraiser; proceeds are used to support the various programs it provides to the community throughout the year, including—Pass the Book, Puppet Theater, Bookwalk, Dial-A-Story, and much more.
Come join the fun for yourself: Saturday, July 13, 4:30-8:30pm; Sunday, July 14, 4:30-8:30pm; and Monday, July 15, 9:30am-1pm. Admission is just $4 per person. See ad below.
In a world filled with distractions and demands, this annual celebration serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring families to embrace the simple pleasures of reading, rejoicing in each other’s company, and remembering the joy of childhood innocence.