KidsFest

Updated June 13

Between Lumpkin and Hull Streets
Saturday, June 21, 11:00 – 5:00 – Kicks off at 10:30 with Pam Blanchard and the Sunny-Side Up Band
Sunday, June 22, 11:00 – 5:00

Note: Hours have shifted for 2008 slightly earlier!

Both Days (see descriptions below)

  • Good Dirt Pottery
  • Mad Science of North Georgia
  • Sam’s Path Petting Zoo (small fee)
  • Climbing Wall, Spidey Jump, Moon Walk, & more! (small fee)
  • Magnetic Poetry Wall and Puzzle Board
  • H. O. Lund Entomology Club of UGA
  • Carnival games and prizes
  • Make & Take Arts & Crafts sponsored by Athens Area Art Council, Elements Art Supply, CASA

Saturday only

  • The Rhythm Hut Drum Circle - An interactive musical experience for kids and adults (40 minute sessions begin on the hour from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.)

Saturday, June 21, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (see descriptions below)

AthFest Hull Street Stage (see description below)

KidsFest Stage (see descriptions below)

  • 11:00 – 11:30 - Come meet “Scrubs” from Athens Regional Health Services
  • 11:45 – 12:15 - Gabriela Mejias
  • 12:30 – 12:40 - BMX Flatland demo (trick bike) with Darin Wright (on Hull Street) [YouTube clip]
  • 12:45 – 1:00 - Chris the Bucketman
  • 1:15 – 1:45 - Breakdance Workshop with Dancefx
  • 1:50 – 2:00 - BMX Flatland demo (trick bike) with Darrin Wright (on Hull Street) [YouTube clip]
  • 2:00 – 2:20 - Chris the Bucketman
  • 2:30 – 3:00 - Hip Hop Workshop with Dancefx
  • 3:00 – 3:45 - Stan's Almost Famous Karaoke
  • 4:00 – 5:00 - Jim and the Beanstalks

Sunday, June 22 - 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (see descriptions below)

Pam Blanchard and the Sunny-Side Up Band - A local favorite, the band has been entertaining children and their adults for over 12 years. They have produced 3 full length albums of original music, and are working on their fourth this summer. Winners of numerous awards over the years, they will continue to rock for the kids, bringing them interactive, high-powered, quality music. They are thrilled to be playing AthFest again, and the earlier playing time means dancing in the streets before it gets too hot!
http://www.sunnysideupband.net/

Gabriela Mejias - Be one of the first to discover Athens' rising star. Gabriela, a 14-year old who has been playing guitar since 5, has wowed audiences at The Human Rights Festival and the Kids Hoot. She pleases the crowd with a wide variety of music, from songs of the 60’s to today’s pop hits.

Darin Wright, Flatland BMX bike demonstration – Watch as Darin Wright demonstrates flatland, a freestyle BMX riding style. Flatland is described as a blend of breakdancing, ballet, or figure skating on a bicycle. See an example of Darin in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNScnNaIsD0

Chris the Bucketman - The Bucket drummer show consists of high energy drumming on 5-gallon buckets. Groovy beats combined with comedy and crowd interaction makes this show enjoyable for people of all ages.  http://bucketdrummer.com/HOME.html

Breakdance and Hip-Hop Workshops from Dancefx – Local dance company Dancefx brings out their talented dancers to share with the audience how to do some break-dance and hip-hop moves. Come try out some new dance steps.  http://www.danceathens.com/

Stan’s Almost Famous Karaoke – Come be the star of the KidsFest stage! With over 37,000 songs to choose from, Stan’s Almost Famous Karaoke is sure to have a song for you to sing. Don’t be shy - come and let your star shine.

Jim and the Beanstalks - A family friendly band new to the Athens scene.  They play traditional kids songs as well as traditional/folk songs. Calling upon traditions from the Appalachian Mountains, Jim and the Beanstalks add harmonica, percussion, and an energy all their own.  Where everything old is new again, keeping you young at heart.  Great music for all, from tater tots to grandpops! http://www.myspace.com/jimandthebeanstalks  

Joel Gresham - An engaging presentation from this GA author/illustrator shows the audience how to create their own Imagination Bears from his series. Enjoy an introduction to his latest book, Young People are Born to be Rich! Born to be Healthy! http://www.myfunbear.com/main.htm

Mad Science of North Georgia – Looking for a way to spark a child’s interest in science?  Then come by for a fun, entertaining, and exciting hands-on demonstration of science experiments for all children.  http://madscience.org/locations/northga/

Musical Petting Zoo - Get up close and musical with instruments from UGA Community Music School. Children will have a hands-on opportunity to explore and learn about various instruments. Come discover your inner musician and further the love of music. http://www.uga.edu/ugacms.

Pam Blanchard Solo Set - "Just for You, Because You're 2" is especially for the littlest Athenians. Get an early start on developing a love of music in your child.  Parents and children will both enjoy the interactive set with a musician who is in tune with her audience

Thank you to the following for their support of KidsFest.  Please visit the links to learn more about these organizations and businesses.

Sam’s Path Petting Zoo -  http://www.samspathpettingzoo.com/
Mad Science of North Georgia - http://www.madscience.org/locations/northga/
Good Dirt Pottery -  http://www.gooddirt.net/
Solid Rock Productions - http://www.solidrockpro.com/
H. O. Lund Entomology Club of UGA - http://www.uga.edu/entoclub/
Athens Area Art Council -  http://www.athensarts.org/
Elements Art Supply - http://www.elementsartsupply.net/
CASA - http://www.athensoconeecasa.org/
Athens Mothers’ Center -  http://athensga.motherscenter.org/
Discount School Supply - http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/

Discover the fun to be had on Washington Street between Lumpkin and Hull, including games, arts and crafts, animals, and activities! The KidsFest Stage returns with singers, performers, interactive demonstrations, magic, and more! KidsFest’s mission is to introduce children to the music and arts within their community, with a hope of inspiring a lifelong love of music and arts.