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This summer I've made a commitment to stop and count the lightning bugs. If you're like me, some days are filled with hurrying and scurrying which could cause us to miss the simple pleasures in life. We have to choose to slow down and savor the extraordinary in  the ordinary. So, what does all this have to do with a blog about the Kids Fest? I'll tell you...

When I went to Kids Fest for the first time this year I was really impressed by all the activities they had for families on the Square and in the Carousel Barn, so I went down and met with Debbie Crane of Merchandise for a tour of all they have going in these areas. Debbie told me that the vision of the Square this year for Kids Fest was to bring back the old fashioned things that people don't do much anymore and to encourage families to interact with each other. So, they added giant games of Checkers and Tic Tac Toe, Lincoln Logs and Tinker Toys on multiple colorful picnic tables with umbrellas all around the Square. They also have Hula Hoops in front of Hannah's Ice Cream Parlor where kids and parents can come and see who's the best hula hooper! And, there is a huge sand tent with 6 huge colored sand tables for lots of hands on fun. Mom's Tip...these places are great for shade and if it showers, you don't have to miss out on any fun, you can just keep on playing!

As I walked around the Square it was fun to see all the fun activities families were involved in...like the Cantrell family playing a game of checkers. They told me they were having a great time and by the looks on their faces you could see they were really "in to their game."

Debbie also told me that a big hit on the Square was Shorty and his bubbles. I caught this shot of a huge bubble and a little boy jumping with all his might to pop it!

There are fun activities held once a day on the Square as well like the Marching Band where kids get little instruments and march around the Square, a Water Balloon Toss where you could really get wet , and a Banana Split Eating Contest (yum, count me in!). If your kids are into crafts, there are Craft Tables where you pay a small fee for each craft your child makes like painting a ball, making a keychain, magnet, door hanger, paint by number or flower pot bugs. If your little girl likes to have her hair braided, they're doing Angel Do's on the corner across from the Happy Puppets and next to the VeggieTales CD's.

After experiencing all that was going on on the Square I headed down to the Carousel Barn which is featuring Kids' Concoctions. WOW! There are many stations in the barn where you can play...all for FREE, like the Play Foam, Wikki Stix, Stampers, Magnetos and Do-A-Dots. Here's a picture of the Gill Family who were at the Foam Table making special creations. Mom & Dad Gill told me they were having just as much fun as the kids. You'll notice in the picture that they are showing off their creations too! They said they were spending time with their kids at each station and having a great time!

Other fun things for a small fee are the Gooey Gunk where kids can make their own Goo in any color they like. Girls really love the station where you can make your own lip gloss, sugar scrub sundae, spa bubbles, or shimmer lotion. Here's a picture of a little girl named Alexis making her own shimmer lotion.

 Kids' Concoctions were created by John E. & Danita Thomas and they have lots of books available where you can make your own concoctions at home. They'll be in the barn and you can meet them personally July 19th through 22nd.

I hope you'll get a chance to have some good quality family time with your family and enjoy all that the City has to offer this summer. Kids Fest runs through August 10th so don't delay! With all the activities, shows and rides, I truly believe this is the best Kids Fest yet!

See you at the Banana Split Eating Contest!