Kidsfest event growing this year

In this May 31, 2014 file photo, Connor Goodman of Holts Summit enjoys a game of bowling at the annual Kidsfest event held in downtown Jefferson City.
In this May 31, 2014 file photo, Connor Goodman of Holts Summit enjoys a game of bowling at the annual Kidsfest event held in downtown Jefferson City.

This year's Kidsfest is set to be the biggest in the event's nearly 30-year history, said Phil Stiles, Recreation Facilities and Special Services Division Director with the Jefferson City Parks and Recreation Department.

The free event on Saturday is designed to bring together families in the community while providing a fun-filled day for youth ranging from toddlers to pre-teens.

"It's a great event to kickoff summer," Stiles said.

New attractions this year include Xtreme Body and Paint batting cages and the Bubble Bus, a St. Louis-based company that blows massive amounts of bubbles for children to play with and pop. Hay rides around the Capitol and a petting zoo on the Missouri River Regional Library lawn will be back again. Tennis courts will also be on Madison Street. 

Main Stage entertainment includes: 

10:15-10:30 a.m.: Mid-Mo Conservatory of Dance

10:40-11 a.m.: Pied Piper of Percussion

11:15-11:30 a.m.: Infamous Royal Tigerettes

11:45 a.m.-noon: Art of Martial Arts

12:15 p.m.-12:30 p.m.: 5, 6, 7, 8 Dancenter

12:40 p.m.-1:10 p.m.: Gerry Tritz, juggler/magician

1:15 p.m.-1:35 p.m: Pied Piper of Percussion

About 70 vendors will be at the event Saturday, showcasing their businesses or organizations in the 100-300 blocks of High Street. Madison Street from High Street to Wall Way wasclosed Wednesday for Thursday Night Live set up, and the street will remain closed for Kidsfest.

Kidsfest is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in downtown Jefferson City. For more information, go to www.jeffersoncitymo.gov/programs_and_activities/kidsfest.php.