KidsFest set for Saturday
Families looking for some free fun on Saturday can check out the 20th Annual KidsFest.
Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral and Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Department, the festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sun Splash Family Waterpark. It will feature games and inflatables for children, Halloween costume contests with prizes, live entertainment and more.
“It’s for the children and the community,” Donna Williamson, a Kiwanian committee team member who helped to establish the event, said. “To provide them with information and education about health and safety and to also let them have a day of fun.”
Organizers typically expect about 8,000 attendees each year.
While the event and activities are free, the public is asked to bring a non-perishable food item for admission. All of the items will be donated to a local food bank, the Cape Coral Caring Center.
“That’s part of the Cape Coral community,” she said. “We need to take care of each other.”
Williamson noted that all of the inflatables are different this year.
“There’s an obstacle course,” she said. “There is a zipline, rock wall and a couple of other things.”
“We have pony rides,” Williamson added.
All of the attractions are free.
She explained that the vendors also provide activities for the children.
“Face painting and different crafts,” Williamson said.
At about 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., costume contests will be held for ages 18 and under.
“There are three different age groups,” she said.
The prizes will consist of donations from businesses and restaurants throughout Lee County.
The entertainment lineup will feature groups and organizations, including karate and martial arts demonstrations, a yoga session for children and the Ronald McDonald magic show at 11 a.m.
“And a lot of different dance groups,” Williamson said.
Close to 100 vendors will have booths on site.
“They all have their own setups,” she said.
The Cape Coral Police Department will provide fingerprinting for children, and the Cape Coral Fire Department will have a fire truck present for the youth, along with its “burning house” exhibit.
Williamson noted that there will be a show choir, cooking classes, swim school and more.
Informational and educational booths will also be on hand.
Organizers had also planned to hold a 2K obstacle course, but it was canceled.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Parking is a suggested donation of $2.
According to Williamson, the proceeds help to support a scholarship program.
“All of that goes into a scholarship fund for students in the local high schools,” she said.
Organizers encouraged the community to come and check it out.
“It is a fantastic family fun day,” Williamson said. “It is rain or shine.”
The festival is sponsored by the Gunterberg Charitable Foundation and the Culliton family.
For more, visit www.facebook.com/HarneyPointOfCapeCoralKiwanisKidsFest.
Sun Splash Family Waterpark is at 400 Santa Barbara Blvd.