Kick off the summer at the 15th annual Children’s Festival at Fraser River Heritage Park this Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The theme is a medieval faire and everyone — kids and adults — is being encouraged to dress up. Judges will be out early to crown this year’s king and queen and knight Mission’s mayor Sir Jamesalot.
A medieval village will be set up this year complete with Artisan’s Alley and a Town Square where children and put their parents in the Stocks and Sports Arenas.
There will also be music, dancing, juggling, games, workstations, a bouncy balloon and lots more entertainment.
The main stage will feature:
• The Trollsons: They have been entertaining audiences at festivals, special events, theatres and Children’s Festivals throughout the world since 1995. These extraordinary characters make mouths drop, and tourists flock to get their photos taken with them. They are professional performing trolls. When roving, they chat, tell jokes, sing songs, dance, play music (with accordian, drum and bells), matchmake, and generally cause mischief and merriment.
The Trollsons stage shows feature masks, music, physical comedy, improvisation, and a special kind of audience interaction. The masks were made by award winning mask designer Melody Anderson.
• Jester Mike Battie: He will be the official court jester bringing his incredible juggling, unicycle and physical comedy skills. Be ready to laugh and participate in his hilarious show. Battie will not only be doing his show live on the stage, but will also be strolling around the festival conducting juggling workshops and playing tricks on young and old.
• Academie Duello: This is a school of European swordplay and Western martial arts devoted to teaching the weapons of the historical gentleman and warrior. The martial arts training includes sword arts such as the rapier, sidesword, sword and shield, and long sword, as well as the quarterstaff, spear, knife and unarmed combat.
• Cathy Hardy and Boris Sichon: The duo, along with students, are coming together for a show featuring medieval music and percussion.
• Jennie Bice with her Annwyn Studio Fiddlers will be performing medieval and renaissance melodies.
The event is organized by the Mission Arts Council and one of its biggest events of the year, drawing thousand of children and their parents to the popular park. Admission is free and parking is by donation (min. $2).
For more information about the Children’s Festival, visit missionartscouncil.ca.