For the past 44 years, the International Children’s Festival of the Arts has been a vibrant hub of creativity and discovery.
Located in St. Albert’s downtown core on the banks of the Sturgeon River, the carnival-like event takes place May 29 to June 1. The high-energy extravaganza aims to nurture and ignite creative and cultural expression. Essentially, it’s a way for kids to explore the world around them.
“We don’t really have a theme. We just desire to make amazing things happen that will inspire, educate and be fun for kids. To do that we have a mix of old and new. The challenge is keeping it fresh,” said Ben Sures, professional programming presenter.
As one of North America’s largest and longest-running children’s festivals, the event blends mainstage shows, roving entertainers, low-cost workshops, and free activities.
Sures has booked 70 plus world-class artists, and roving artists that help children tap into a world of discovery. As attendees stroll through the grounds, expect to hear and see whimsical Francophone theatre, African drumming, Chinese dragon dances, B-boying breakdances, marching bands and good-old-fashioned circus arts.
Roving Artists
One of the most anticipated roving acts making its debut is Imagicarlo’s Waykarü, a large puppet on stilts. Waykarü is a playful but extravagant character inspired by Mexico’s Alebrije. An Alebrije is a folk art sculpture of fantastical creatures. These dreamlike creatures are believed to have spiritual significance as guides and protectors.
An attention-getter wherever he travels, the 10-foot Waykarü is described as “a bit clumsy,” with long legs and a large tail. However, this magical creature is very sociable.
“It was hard to choose which magical creature to invite. I like his face of a dinosaur-bird that magically moves through a crowd. It has an enchanted vibe. I want kids to believe in magical things and explore the imagination and have layers of dreams,” Sures said.
Edmonton’s Hong De’s Dragon Dance is enthusiastically enjoyed at local festivals as a vibrant ambassador of Asian culture. Believed to be a giver of good luck, the dragon is respected for its power, dignity, and wisdom.
“We wanted to celebrate Asian culture," said Sures. "They will be outdoors as roving artists and performing outdoors on the Heritage Stage.”
The dynamic duo of Cirquetastic return, bending their bodies into incredible acrobatic pretzels. And this year, they are giving children the chance to form mini pyramids.
Amanda Panda is back transforming into a clown, fairy or butterfly, while circus artist Kate Ryan debuts circus hula hooping, physical comedy and her fire hula hoop.
“Kate is a very dramatic, fluid dancer," Sures said. "I’d like to have her circus act in the plaza.”
Dan the One-Man Band is back to his old tricks, playing guitar, drums, cymbals, tambourine, harmonica, kazoo and egg shaker, as well as singing. And Darrell Bretton Jr., a popular First Nations dancer, showcases his footwork and stunning powwow regalia.
Edmonton actor-dancer Amber Borotsik is back as Project Funway’s The Fashionista alongside Alison Dicey. How fashionable is it to wear a spaghetti strainer on your head or make a necklace out of a plastic corn cob?
“Amber is a super creative person," said Sures. "She’s had so many brilliant ideas over the years from a giant roving fish to fashion stylists. I feel Amber is one of the great cultural assets in Edmonton.”
Another festival standby, magician Jay Flair, is back providing her sleight-of-hand tricks while the six-person Merry Marching Band introduces poetry, humour and adventure as they play music from around the world.
And Liz Hobbs, who introduced the Happiness Fairy last year, is back for a second round of entertainment. Kids write their wishes on Post-it notes and attach them to her wings.
“She was so popular last year, there would have been mayhem if we didn’t bring her back," Sure said. "She’s such a great tool for activating imagination. When kids meet the Happiness Fairy, she validates their creativity and their daring to dream.”
Workshops
If your child is fascinated with B-Boying, check out Bust a Move with B-Boy Pharush’s breakdancing workshop. It’s all about feeling the music, having fun and building character while B-boying.
“B-Boy Pharush is one of the great dancers you see around. I’ve seen him on Rhythm Speaks and he’s always got great energy and is a great dancer. If Edmonton had an answer to Spider Man, he’d be it. He’s flexible and light on his feet,” Sures said.
Reckie Lloyd of Sangea Academy is back by popular demand for another round of African Drum Speak.
“He’s a great communicator," said Sures. "He has a commanding presence and knows how to create energy. You just want to participate and this year there will be 60 djembes at the workshop.”
During Du conte à la scène (From Page to Stage), participants will be introduced to Jean de la Fontaine, an 18th-century writer. Francophone artists Steve Jodoin and Naseem Nader assist participants create staged interpretations of his fables.
“The key to this workshop is that it energizes kids and energizes their imagination," Sures said. "When you bring that kind of energy, it inspires kids to think, dream and learn.”
The light-hearted Fizzlewit is back with his blend of whimsy and wonder as he leads children on a treasure hunt in search of a lost fairy princess.
And for anyone who desires to be one with nature, Indigenous artist Anna Muskego presents Twigs and Moss: Collaging with Nature. Participants create take-home art using plants and elements from the outside environment.
More free things
The Outdoor Stage is one of the festival’s main gathering spots. Located in St. Albert Place Plaza, it is packed with entertainment and food trucks. MC Michelle Todd, an Edmonton actor-presenter, will talk up different acts ranging from music, singalongs, circus, puppetry and magic.
The Lifecycle of a Butterfly cut-outs return, and photo bugs can get their picture taken riding a caterpillar or being a butterfly. On the other hand, VASA art gallery invites children to unleash their creativity designing characters from clothes pegs. Buttons, felt, crayons, paper and fabric are provided.
A new freebie is the Tall Wall, a wall that measures a child’s height similar to pencil marks parents scratch at home.
“Here a volunteer or parents trace a kid’s outline and put their name and year on it," said Sures. "In the future kids can come back and make a new outline next to it.”
The festival also sponsors additional activities including an outdoor maze, temporary tattoos, an open art studio, a public art installation, hands-on DNA art, and the library’s story time.
“We always want to offer free and affordable things for families to enjoy the festival," Sures said. "We want everybody to have a good time.”
The festival’s mainstage performances feature St. Albert Children’s Theatre Alice in Wonderland Jr.; A Simple Space, a jaw-dropping acrobatic show; Splash ‘N Boots; Mario the Maker Magician; The Merry Marching Band, and Ahkameyimok, rooted in First Nations culture.
Tickets for mainstage shows are $18.25 and workshops are $8. To order tickets online visit tickets.stalbert.ca or call the Arden box office at 780-459-1542.
