Argh, ye pirates and mermaids. It’s time for the 19th Annual Children’s Festival: Under the Sea. The free event for children of all ages takes center stage at the San Juan County Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 6.
Sea Shanty singing, face painting, sea shape clay exploration, boat building, fun with ship wrecks, drumming, dress-up, bouncer bouncing, and sand dollar decoration are just a few of the wet and wild adventures this year’s festival has in shore for you. Not to mention free hot dogs, juice, water, and popcorn. Yummy fun!
Featured entertainment includes The Shifty Sailors, a sea shanty and maritime musical group, based in Whidbey Island, Wash. They educate, entertain and enlighten all over the word – most recently at Maui’s Whale Day Festival. You’ll be smiling from ear-to-ear, clapping and cheering as you experience our Puget Sound maritime heritage through sea shanty songs.
We are also pleased to welcome back local musician Ian Cooper and local teen band Stop, Drop and Rock. Also on the stage this year is Alphabet Soup Preschool, performing Commotion in the Ocean. And, back by popular demand is Better Bouncer, an inflatable bouncer hut for your jumping pleasure.
Demonstrations include Birds of Prey presented by Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation, Boating Safety by San Juan Island Sailing Foundation and safety and equipment presentations by local fire and rescue crews.
Dozens of local organizations will be providing activities for the children, including clay sculpting, arts and crafts, face painting, and costume dress-up. Free hot dogs, soda, and popcorn provided by the Kiwanis and Lions Clubs will also be available. The San Juan Island Children’s Festival is an Island Rec program and is sponsored by Friday Harbor Masons, Sunset Builders Supply, Lowe’s Construction, Roche Harbor, Islanders Bank, King’s Market, and Wells Fargo.
This year’s committee is underway with preparations for the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 2nd event. Please, mark your calendars. For more information call Sally at 378-4953.
