By Scott Mitchell Johnson
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Hundreds of wide-eyed and smiling children had a bear-y good time at the first-ever Kids Fest that was held April 6 at The Crow’s Nest in Presque Isle. The fun-filled day was highlighted by live musicals based on the book series, The Berenstain Bears.
“We sold out the 11 a.m. show and there were only a few tickets left for the 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. shows,” said Lisa Miles, regional manager for Townsquare Media, which co-sponsored the event with TAMC Aroostook Pediatrics. “Seating capacity for each show is 220, so we easily had 600 people attend the live show which features a production company from New York.”
Reid McGlinn of Presque Isle brought his 2-year-old daughter, Maggie, to the show.
“She was really excited to go see the Berenstain Bears,” said McGlinn. “There’s not a whole lot of things for kids around here, so we felt it was a good day to do something. You really just have to take the opportunities that you get.
“With springtime, we want to start getting out and doing things,” he said. “This is great, and it looks like a lot of kids are enjoying themselves.”
In addition to the musical, Kids Fest featured a bounce house, balloons, clowns, candy, games, food, music and more.
In keeping with the bear theme, a Teddy Bear Picnic — hosted by Cary Medical Center and Pines Health Services — as well as a free children’s Teddy Bear Clinic, which allowed kids to use their bears to see first-hand what they may experience at the doctor’s office, were held. Teddy, TAMC’s mascot, also made an appearance.
“Kids Fest exceeded my expectations,” said Miles. “We’re pretty excited about being able to offer friendly, family, fun entertainment.”
Miles said she expects Kids Fest to become an annual event.
“And hopefully bigger and better,” she said. “Townsquare Media is a three-legged stool — there’s the broadcasting, the digital side which encompasses our website, and then there’s a live event branch of the company.
“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 was one of the first events for us,” said Miles. “We’re more than pleased with how it turned out. Kids came in happy and seemed to leave even happier and that’s what it’s all about.”
Sixteen vendors were also on hand sharing information on their goods and services with parents
