County promises a fun day for kids at Winchester Center and Park

Parents looking for something fun, and free, to do with their kids should check out the 18th annual Clark County Children's Festival Saturday .

Kids of all ages are invited to ride the ponies, pet the exotic animals, get their faces painted and play the drums at the Winchester Cultural Center and Park, 3130 S. McLeod Drive. There is no specific message behind the festival; kids don't need a reason to have fun, says organizer Joseph House.

"It's just a fun day for kids," he says. "It's going to be a fun event for the whole family."

Previous festivals have drawn 2,000 to 2,500 people throughout the day. House expects this year's event to attract similar crowds.

While the festival is free, there is a minimal charge for rides and food, usually nothing more than $5, House says. Among the free offerings are balloon art, face painting, tours through a garden, archery, strolling performers and more.

Live entertainment will be provided, including performances by Star Catchers, a hip-hop youth dance team, and Encore, A Show Choir. Both are Winchester's resident groups.

Among the rides are the Ferris wheel, a swing and train. Children can test their agility and strength on the fitness play course, too. In the Animal Kingdom, kids can take pony rides or pet exotic animals such as a binturong and coati-mundi, along with more familiar animals such as goats and other critters.

A drum circle and puppet show will take place where children can pick up storytelling tips, House adds.

Registration is required for some events; interested participants should visit the front desk at the cultural center.

The festival starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. For more information, call 455-7340.

Contact reporter Sonya Padgett at spadgett@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4564.