If you build it, they will come. That’s what the Hollywood script says. And if you build a big tent in a church parking lot and fill it with a lot of family-friendly music and activities, a lot of kids will come–with happy parents in tow.
That was the big message from Kinderfest, Our Lady of the Lake‘s first fall festival for elementary, middle school and high school students.
The church planned the festival, which was open to the entire Verona community, around the presence of the giant tent it puts up for its Oktoberfest, now in its second year. There was a giant climbing wall in the center of the tent and an inflatable slide, and all around the edges lots of silly fun that was more than enough to keep the kids off the video games for a few hours–without breaking their parents’ budget. There was music too, from toddler-friendly songs from Holly Denton’s Music Together school to hard-rocking teen bands including Fusion, Feedback The Loop, and Leo’s Arrow (yes, some of the same bands that made their debut at Cops & Rockers last winter). Entrance to Kinderfest–including the music and roving performers–was free and the tickets for crafts, games and foods were priced well within reach. It was fun, too, to see so many of the booths and activities staffed by OLL parishioners and Youth Group members.
Beyond the fun and games there was lots and lots of food from Eight Hills Caterers, Frank Anthony’s, Verona Pizza and the Towne Scoop ice cream truck. And if the girls really wanted some flair, there were hair extensions by Verona’s Dekko & Co.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the children and youth of Our Lady of the Lake, including OLL School, which is a a 2011 National Blue Ribbon School Award winner.
Let’s hope Kinderfest stays on OLL’s agenda for next year.
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Photos courtesy Patricia Betron and Denise Ehrich.
