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Kiwanis Kidsfest 2015 set for Saturday

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Local families looking for some free fun on Saturday can check out the 18th Annual KidsFest.

Organized by the Harney Point Kiwanis of Cape Coral, the festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jaycee Park. The event will feature several stage performances by local groups, children’s rides and activities, two Halloween costume contests, fingerprinting services, vendor giveaways and more.

“Every year I’ve been involved, we’ve had a great turnout,” Eric Feichthaler, festival chairman and a Harney Point Kiwanian, said. “There’s many thousands of kids with their parents who come out.”

While the event and activities are free, attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item as admission. All of the items will be donated to a local food bank, the Cape Coral Caring Center.

“I know it’s a significant event for them,” he said of the organization.

The festival will feature pony rides, bungee trampolines, giant slides and more.

“All of that is free,” Feichthaler said.

There will be face painting for the children, as well as other activities.

“A lot of the schools, they’re going to have booths there with a lot of carnival games,” he said.

At 11 a.m. and again at 3 p.m., there will be a Halloween costume contest.

“Basically, all kids of all ages can participate,” Feichthaler said.

The winners in the contests will be rewarded with prizes. Some of the items include tickets to Sun Splash Family Waterpark, tickets to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall and such.

“There’s going to be like 25 prizes in each contest,” he said.

Over 100 vendors, like local doctor offices, organizations and health insurance companies, will have booths set up on site. Feichthaler explained that the booths will give away free items to the youth.

“When everyone comes, they leave with a lot of free goodies,” he said.

Informational and educational booths will also be on hand.

“Obviously, we’re concerned about our kids’ welfare and safety,” Feichthaler said. “It’s an informational, as well as a fun, festival for the kids.”

The Cape Coral Police Department and the Cape Coral Masonic Lodge will provide fingerprinting services, while the Lee Memorial Health System’s Blood Mobile will be taking adult donations.

The city donated a stage for the live entertainment.

“We have several karate organizations, several dance troupes and cheerleader-like groups,” he said, adding that all of the performers are based out of the Cape.

Hot dogs and sodas will only cost $1; free bottled water will also be available.

Parking is a suggested donation of $2.

Families are asked to carpool, if possible, as the park only has about 400 parking spaces.

“There have been years where we’ve had a significant backup,” Feichthaler said.

He also suggested coming early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

KidsFest serves as the main fundraiser for the Harney Point Kiwanis of Cape Coral. The proceeds raised help the club support its local scholarship program, high school Key Clubs and more.

Sponsors like the Gunterberg Charitable Foundation and the Culliton Family, along with other local businesses, help to make the event possible.

Organizers urged families to come and check it all out.

“It gives the kids of Cape Coral and Southwest Florida an everything-free day,” Feichthaler said.

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KiwanisKidsFest. Jaycee Park is at 4125 S.E. 20th Place.