North Shore Kids Fest Returns with Expanded Activities for Youth

The highly anticipated North Shore Kids Fest is set to return on September 14, 2024, at The Shipyards in North Vancouver. This year’s festival promises to deliver an even more enriching experience for children aged 14 and under, with an array of performances and activities designed specifically for young audiences. The event will take over The Shipyards, extending to the Polygon Gallery and The Pipe Shop, creating a vibrant atmosphere for families.

Festival co-founders Anna Boltenko and Anna Sharonova initiated this festival last year to address the lack of dedicated events for children in the community. Boltenko noted the limitations of existing festivals, stating, “We have those big festivals happen at The Shipyards or across the North Shore, but the kids zone, it’s just a zone. There’s nothing completely and fully devoted to the kids.” This observation led them to create a unique space that celebrates children’s creativity and talents.

The idea for the festival gained momentum when Sharonova’s daughter voiced her thoughts about the absence of a celebration for children. “She just approached me and was asking, ‘It’s so unfair, you have Mother’s Day for you, daddy has Father’s Day, and what about me? Where is the kids day?’” Sharonova recalled. This question became the catalyst for the development of a festival that highlights children’s abilities and provides them with a platform to showcase their skills.

The festival will feature two stages for performances, allowing children to exhibit their talents in singing, dancing, sports, and even entrepreneurial endeavors. In addition, a new “entrepreneur zone” will enable young participants to pitch their business ideas and share their creative projects with the community. Activities such as slime making, face painting, fencing, and martial arts will also be available, ensuring a fun-filled day for attendees.

Sharonova expressed her enthusiasm for the festival, emphasizing the wealth of talent among children in the North Shore area. “We have so many talented kids on the North Shore, and unfortunately, there are only a few opportunities for them to perform,” she remarked. The festival aims to inspire children not only to showcase their skills but also to encourage their peers to explore their interests and passions.

In addition to performances and activities, various organizations dedicated to children’s education and development will participate in the festival. Institutions such as Upper Lonsdale Preschool and local daycares, alongside community favorites like Grouse Mountain, will present their programs aimed at fostering growth and learning among children.

Last year’s inaugural event saw over 200 performers take the stage and attracted hundreds of attendees. Sharonova anticipates an even larger turnout for this year’s festival, highlighting the community’s support and interest in children-focused events. “We hope families leave with a sense of inspiration about the bright future ahead – one filled with opportunities and possibilities,” she stated.

The North Shore Kids Fest will take place on Sunday, September 14, from noon to 18:00 at The Shipyards, located at 125 Victory Ship Way. Admission is free, making it an accessible event for all families in the area.

With a focus on celebrating children’s gifts and the multitude of paths available to them, the festival is poised to become a cherished annual event in the North Shore community, filling a vital gap in local activities for the younger generation.