FERGUS – The first ever Kidstock Fergus event is set for Sept. 29 from 12 to 4pm in downtown Fergus.
Organizer Debb Greer said she is always looking for ways to bring family-friendly activities to the downtown core.
“Sundays can be very quiet around here,” Greer said.
“And with the kids going back to school, I thought it would be great to have something special for them.”
Greer said Kidstock takes its name from the Woodstock Music and Art Fair (commonly referred to as Woodstock), the famous 1969 outdoor music festival that took place on a dairy farm in Bethel, New York.
Kidstock will be “filled with music, laughter and lots of fun,” Greer said.
The festival celebrates “peace, love, music and art,” Greer added.
The event will feature hands-on creative play, music, storytelling, art and crafts.
Art workshops will be offered by Stephanie Lines-Toohill from the Elora Centre for the Arts Sparrow’s Nest and by Play With Clay from Guelph.
Artist Donna Hull will be holding “Art in the Park – Play with Paint” and Brighten Up Toys in Fergus will host a games area.
A “hippie” will be reading and telling stories and leading a sing-along. And the mermaid who enchanted Medieval Faire-goers will return for the festival.
The event also includes live music, farm animals and alpacas, food and a variety of vendors.
Greer said Kidstock is part of the Township of Centre Wellington’s Culture Days initiative that runs Sept. 20 to Oct. 13 and is sponsored by Echoes Vintages Fergus and the Fergus BIA.
The event will take place in the Fergus library, Templin Gardens “and the charming area behind the library”, Greer said.
The festival also offers face painting and a scavenger hunt in the library.
“Hippies have been spotted in the area,” Greer said.
“Peace, love and understanding could break out at any time.”
The event is pay-what-you-can, Greer said, noting she wants anyone who would like to attend to be able to.
Proceeds will go to the Rural Women’s Support Program.
