Folky fun for the whole fam

It’s almost Richmond Folk Festival time, kids, and you are probably wondering what fun is to be had by the actual kids, not just you big folk-lovers. Take a look what the folks in charge have in store for you…

September 16, 2009; 1:00 AM • by Patience Salgado

It’s almost Folk Festival time, kids, and you’re probably wondering what fun is to be had by the actual kids, not just you big folk-lovers. The Genworth Financial Family Area will be coordinated by every local kid’s favorite, The Children’s Museum of Richmond.

“Barnyard Banter” is the theme this year and will be chock full of activities and fun that will include aspects of local farm life and agriculture, performances, green art activities, themed exhibits from the museum and, of course, a petting zoo.

Got a toddler you are strollin’ with? Have those littles peddle their hearts out in the Get Moooving area with John Deere tractors and toddler pedal cars. After they are good and tired, your young artists can work on some print making with fruits and vegetables. Mosey on over to the petting zoo to play with the various farm furry friends.

How about the loud kids in the bunch? The yellers in the family can try out Yodeling 101 with Wylie Gustafson or try Harmonica playing 101 with Phil Wiggins. Let those loud mouths put all that hot air into making something amazing.

If you are feeling like some down time is in order, be sure to check out the Cherokee storytelling or the interactive spoon-playing demo by Bob Zentz. Did you know Richmond has a Gourd Orchestra? I know, I had no idea! Don’t miss the performances of this vegetable goodness. Kids of all ages will also enjoy the animal puppets and puppet theater for free play.

The enviro-lovers in your family will love the seed planting with our friends from Strange’s or discover the gourd art station. CMoR will also offer their signature paper bag hat making station where everyone can make a Farmers hat with recycled materials.

Speaking of farmers, travel on over to the mini farmer’s market where children will receive play money at the activity stations. The play money can purchase prizes at the market. Don’t forget to say hi to our big red dinosaur friend, Seymour, who will be making appearances throughout the day.

The family area will be open each day of the festival (October 9th through 11th) from 12pm to 6pm. Hope to see you there!

Patience Salgado lives in a state of dreamy chaos with her husband Jorge and their four kids in the Westover Hills neighborhood. She slings a baby while she writes for Supersisters at PBSparents.org and tries to think up her next guerrilla goodness project.

Photo courtesy of the Richmond Gourd Orchestra.

September 16, 2009 1:00 AM 1