Published: June 20, 2009 07:56 pm         

Let’s Meet PBS KIDS in the Park Family Festival Saturday in Indy

Who says the best things in life aren’t free? At a time when millions of Americans are reeling from the effects of a recession of historic proportions, WFYI Public Broadcasting is working to ensure that Hoosier families will have the option of at least one affordable destination this summer that’s sure to delight both children and parents alike.

Make plans to join WFYI Public Broadcasting for its signature summer celebration, Let’s Meet PBS KIDS in the Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in one of Indianapolis’ most beautiful downtown park settings — Veterans Memorial Plaza and American Legion Mall. Admission is free.

Presented by Riley Hospital for Children and Marsh Supermarkets, this one-of-a-kind family festival unites children and parents face to face with the cuddly, colorful characters that we have all come to love and admire most on PBS. Visit with more than a dozen PBS KIDS characters, including Sesame Street’s Cookie Monster and Rosita walk-around characters, Maya & Miguel, Clifford, Arthur, Super WHY!, Curious George, WordGirl, plus the loveable Martha from Martha Speaks, Duck from WordWorld and Digit from Cyberchase.

As part of this year’s planned festivities, families will be invited to embark on an exciting Eco-Adventure. The park will feature interactive themed areas: Exercise PBS KIDS GO!, Reading: WordWorld, Math + Science = Fun, Finance is for Kids, Be More Environmentally Friendly and The Arts For Everyone.

Families are encouraged to bring a large blanket for lawn seating at the festival’s two main stage areas. Don’t miss Snook, the energetic tree sloth from It’s a Big Big World, when he performs on the WFYI South Stage in Veterans Memorial Plaza. And catch PBS KIDS host Miss Rosa, as she shares her special gift of storytelling and introducing children to new cultures through her Spanish language skills. The WFYI North Stage located in American Legion Mall will also offer an array of entertainment, including performances from the Russian Ballet Academy of Indiana, The Village Child Performing Arts Center, Express Kids and the Indian Palace Dancers. The all-new PB&J Café (located in Veterans Memorial Plaza) will offer families a more intimate performance setting, featuring local entertainment from Comedy Sportz, Bill Bailey and Rick Crosslin, host of WFYI’s award-winning Indiana Expeditions public television series.

From colorful bounce houses, slides and train rides to hands-on interactive play stations, Let’s Meet PBS KIDS in the Park boasts an array of educational activities that reflect WFYI Public Broadcasting’s commitment to promote lifelong learning. Families will enjoy an eclectic mix of engaging hands-on activities hosted by some of Central Indiana’s leading arts and service organizations, including American Red Cross, Art with a Heart, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Conner Prairie, Barn R.A.T.S. with Mud Creek Players, Eagle Creek Nature Trailer and Indiana Council for Preschool Cooperatives, and much more. An array of festival foods will also be available for purchase in the food court located on North Street (between American Legion Mall and Veterans Memorial Plaza).

Opening ceremonies begin at 10 a.m. with a colorful walking procession of PBS KIDS characters, clowns and local mascots through the festival venue. Families will want to arrive early to catch the parade. Visit wfyi.org for event details as they become available on the festival’s entertainment lineup, PBS KIDS character appearance times and directions to the venue.

Let’s Meet PBS KIDS in the Park is WFYI Public Broadcasting’s gift back to the community. Each year, more than 40,000 people attend this wholesome family celebration, which boasts an array of educational activities that reflect the station’s on-going commitment to prepare all young children for entry into school.

This year’s celebration is presented by Riley Hospital for Children and Marsh Supermarkets, with additional support from The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, Moe’s Southwest Grill, AXA Foundation — the philanthropic arm of AXA Advisors, LLC, The Hilton Garden Inn, Grubb & Ellis Management Services, Republic Services, Moeller Printing, American Red Cross, Conner Prairie, Edinburgh Premium Outlets, Indy’s Child, Indy Momslikeme.com, Indy’s Parent Source, Tupperware, USA Funds and Usborne Books.