True focus on youth at Creemore Children’s Festival
Creemore Children’s Festival has announced that The Next Generation Leahy will be appearing on the main stage at the August 4 event.
Doug and Jennifer Leahy and their six children ranging in age from eight to 16 make up The Next Generation Leahy, a multi-instrumental Celtic and step dance band. They will hit the Creemore Children’s Festival stage, at noon, working the performance into their extensive touring schedule.
“It’s for and about kids. I love having youth performers on stage. It’s inspiring and really sets the tone for what we are trying to achieve,” said Laurie Copeland.
Having young performers and a completely barrier free festival meets the festival’s goal of being inclusive and without a commercial focus. Even the street buskers are youth and the only things that are for sale at the festival is food and items in the youth makers market. Everything else is free.
Copeland is also thrilled that the Neema Children’s Choir from Uganda is returning this year, back by popular demand, representing a different cultural perspective.
Creemore resident and children’s entertainment guru Clive VanderBurgh is also back on the bill, along with magician and illusionist Sawyer Bullock, who continues to expand his repertoire, having grown his show while performing nationally and internationally.
“He has some new magic up his sleeve… Something will be disappearing,” said Copeland.
New this year, Theatre Arcturus, an aerial theatre group, will be performing on the street at three different times during the day.
Copeland says no matter how great the entertainment is some kids can’t be lured away from the multitude of activities offered. About 50 participants fill the street on the day of the festival, each one offering a free activity.
“There’s nothing like that out there. It makes it unique,” said Copeland.
There are activities along Mill Street and Caroline Street West (portions of those roads will be closed) – a big army truck, a bus to paint, Bubbleology, inflatable slides, mini zip-line, Princess Emilie, ponies, face-painting, live animals, pedal car airplanes, arts and crafts, sports and more. There will also be events and activities offered at the library, jail and Creemore Log Cabin.
Copeland said she is thrilled to have the Simcoe County Elementary Teachers’ Federation and the Simcoe County Elementary Occasional Teachers’ Federation on board as sponsors because they are like-minded in their focus on youth.
For a detailed schedule of events, visit creemorechildrensfestival.com.
