MASSILLON — Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Young people and young minds are invited to Fan Fest, an educational and fun event offering free activities, entertainment and giveaways.
Hosted by MCTV, the Massillon Museum, and the Downtown Massillon Association, the event runs Saturdays from 10am to 2pm. Activities are centered around the Lawn of the Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Duncan Plaza, First Street SE.
Thousands of families have enjoyed the annual event for the past 25 years.
Fun Fest organizer Liz Gessner McAllister says this year’s event is the biggest they’ve hosted. Nearly 90 groups and celebrities are participating, and there are several new groups.
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Various social services agencies, civil society groups, law enforcement agencies, churches, arts groups and businesses have set up games, art projects, activities and health and safety information stations.
Many attendees provide free coloring books, school supplies, books, balloons, popsicles and other goodies.
The event features inflatables, clowns creating balloon sculptures, costumed characters, stilt walkers, magicians, and strolling ventriloquists.
Kids can try yoga, chalk on walks, shoot hoops, get temporary tattoos, make bracelets, learn about wildlife, make seed balls, pet animals and more! will be invited to listen to
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They can play giant games, see dolls, play cornhole, visit the Bookmobile at the Massillon Public Library, and participate in dozens of other activities.
Most activities are free, but some activities have a fee.
Barb Schumacher, director of the Downtown Massillon Association, said the free activities attract many families. She expects more people to attend this year’s event, as prices have increased on almost everything from school supplies to groceries to gas.
“It’s a great event for families,” she said. “There are a variety of events, crafts and experiences. You can bring your child along for her day and not have to spend any money.”
A $4,250 grant from ArtsInStark and Visit Canton helped the organizers secure more entertainment. Fun Fest is also supported by local sponsors, added Schumacher.
“We’re very excited[about the performers],” Gessner-McAllister said. “We have the princesses (Anna and Elsa) from Frozen. There’s Chris McBurney, a strolling guitarist, and the magic of Randy and Tom.”
The crowd’s favorite clowns Filbe and Bertha twist balloons with their hands.
Also enjoy main stage performances by Starlight School of Dance, TRU Strength, Eternity Irish Dance, Perfect Storm Cheer and EN-RICH-MENT Drumline. Touch a Track becomes a municipal parking lot.
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Native American Lance White Eagle will also talk to children about Native American culture, and various costumed characters will roam the event space, Gessner McAllister said.
This year, the Krackpots Comedy Club (W 14 Lincoln Way) is kicking off with a free family-friendly comedy show. Fan Fest ends at 2pm.
“I think it’s a great event for the whole family, especially given the economic situation in the community and the country,” she added. It’s an exhilarating sweet event.It’s like a good old community picnic with no food.After the event you can visit the downtown restaurants to grab something to eat.”
Gessner McAllister, who has chaired the event for 25 years, said many people, especially all the organizations and companies with booths, are coming together to make the event happen.
“How much time, effort and money have you spent preparing this?” she asked. “They are what really make it possible. I just put them all together. Thanks to them, it’s really possible.”
The grant also provided funding to advertise the event on local radio stations to attract more people to the city.
Massillon Museum Director Alexandra Nikolis Kuhn said the grant will allow families unfamiliar with Fan Fest and City of Champions to invite them to Massillon to enjoy the museum, local restaurants and shops. Said I could. in downtown.
“I think that speaks to the extent to which we really want to further brand downtown Massillon,” she added. We want to come together as a community and connect with families, and the museum is truly proud to be one of the long-time organizers alongside MCTV and DMA.”
Contact Amy at 330-775-1135 or [email protected].
Twitter: @aknappINDE