Jacksonville Review – May 2025

GET READY TO ROAR, hop, and soar into adventure at this year’s Children’s Festival. Explorers are invited to “Embrace the Wild” as they join together in creating their very own adventures and uncover the incredible world of books! With arts and crafts, interactive booths, and delightful entertainment, this festival will transport young voyagers into the heart of untamed imagination.

The three-day event, happening July 12th to 14th on the Britt Festival grounds, is made possible by the continued dedication of over 400 enthusiastic volunteers. Organizers anticipate welcoming around 6,000 attendees who will enjoy more than thirty interactive booths, two lovable rubbish-eating dragons, a royal queen, over 16 stage acts, and three dance parties—perfect for all the party animals!

More than just a celebration of arts and crafts, the Children’s Festival inspires a love of reading and literacy. In a time when it feels like screens dominate daily life, it’s more important than ever to show children the adventures within the pages of a book.

Reading is a key piece of childhood development that not only helps with overall vocabulary, but also increases imagination, empathy, and connections. Studies consistently highlight how children who read—and are read to—develop skills that last a lifetime. The Storytelling Guild’s mission is to help ensure that children in Southern Oregon have access to books and experience the wonders of stories.

As the Storytelling Guild’s major annual fundraiser, proceeds from the festival support year-round programs such as: Pass the Book, Puppet Theater, Bookwalk, Dial-A-Story, and many more programs aimed at making books accessible to all children in the community.

Experience the fun firsthand at the Britt Grounds:

  • Saturday, July 12, 4:30-8:30pm
  • Sunday, July 13, 4:30-8:30pm
  • Monday, July 14, 9:30am-1:00pm
  • Admission is just $4 per person, promising an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.

So, grab your explorer’s hat, embrace the wild, and get ready for a jungle of fun at this year’s festival!