Kidzfest coming this weekend

WASHINGTON — Washington County Hospital and Clinics will host its annual Kidzfest once again Friday night, at Washington’s central park from 4:30-7:30 p.m. The event will feature over 25 educational booths alongside an array of activities, entertainment and food.

WCHC Special Events Coordinator Emme Keith said the event promoted “health, wellness and safety” in a fun way.

“We’re reaching out to kids and showing them that, ‘Your safety is important,’ and different ways you can stay healthy,” she said. “This is our biggest event for kids, but it doesn’t only show kids this stuff, it shows adults, as well, that are coming. It’s for families.”

The hospital anticipates a turnout of 700-900 kids this year, with promotions sent to schools all around the Washington area, as well as a drawing contest for third through fifth-graders.

This year’s theme is “Health, Wellness and Kids, Oh My!” hopping onto the bandwagon of Wizard of Oz-based activities this summer, including a play at the Community Theater and prompts for Washington’s upcoming Ridiculous Days.

“We encourage our booths to decorate their booths along with the theme as well, our WCHC booths will be decorated as well, all the signage will be ‘Wizard of Oz’ as well,” Keith said.

While the event is a big undertaking, Keith said participants were happy to get involved again this year.

“It’s not very hard to get people to want a booth or to be a food vendor, because it is such a well-known event,” she said.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com