Kids Fest promises to be a bear-y fun event
By Scott Mitchell Johnson
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — A first-of-its-kind event for children and families will be held Saturday in the Star City.
Kids Fest, sponsored by Townsquare Media and TAMC Aroostook Pediatrics, will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 6 at The Crow’s Nest in Presque Isle.
“Townsquare Media is actually launching these Kids Fest events throughout the state,” said Lisa Miles, regional manager for Townsquare Media. “In addition to the one in Presque Isle, we’ve got one scheduled for Bangor and Waterville. We’ll be kicking off the three events in Presque Isle.
“Townsquare is really rallying to become the premier events company in the state of Maine. We’re going to do 21 events throughout the whole state from Beer Fest to family-oriented events to live concerts, and this is one of the first ones we’re rolling out,” she said. “Kids Fest is very family-oriented and family-friendly. I think it’s going to be a pretty large event.”
Open to the public and entirely free, Kids Fest will feature two bounce houses, balloons, clowns, candy, games, food, music and more.
“We’ve got the Berenstain Bears coming up from New York. It’s a live show based on the book series and I think we’re going to get 600 people through the door for that,” said Miles. “While that is a ticketed event, everything else will be free to the public. There’s not an event like this in the Presque Isle area, so I’m hoping this will fill a void for families that have been looking for something to do.”
The Berenstain Bears live in “Family Matters: The Musical” will be performed at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online. Children under 3 years of age are admitted free. Tickets are available at Dead River Co. in Presque Isle, York’s Bookstore in Houlton and Sweet Dreams Candy & Bake Shoppe in Caribou.
“In addition to the Berenstain Bears, we’re going to have clowns there, and all the things a kid would want from snow cones to cotton candy to popcorn,” said Miles.
In keeping with the bear theme, a Teddy Bear Picnic — hosted by Cary Medical Center and Pines Health Services — will be held at noon and 2 p.m., while a free children’s Teddy Bear Clinic, will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Ideal for children ages 3-6, kids will use their bears to see first-hand what they may experience at the doctor’s office. Teddy, TAMC’s mascot, will also be on hand.
There will be plenty for parents to do as well, with local businesses set up on-site to show their work and make special offers. Exhibiting vendors will include Edward Jones Financial Services, The Maine Jump, Mojo Outdoor Sports, LeBlanc’s School of Martial Arts, Sweet Dreams Candy & Bake Shoppe and Uncle Willy’s Candy Shoppe.
“I think this is going to be the kids event of the year; I don’t see anything that’s going to come close to rivaling what we’re putting together,” Miles said. “I think families will be a little upset if they miss it and hear about it Monday at the water cooler. They don’t want to miss this.”
