Last weekend, the Kids Deck, guest hosted by Illumination Learning Studio, returned to the Ballard Seafood Fest. And it was the best yet!
The stage was set, with a mural backdrop created by our very own Jess Coulson and our Mural Madness campers. A Kids Drum Circle, led by Mr. Mike at ILS, kicked off festivities Saturday morning. Members of the Saber Guild Kamino Temple trained kids in the way of the Jedi. George A Magician and Comedy Sportz wowed and entertained. Maria Rico shared traditional Colombian rhythms with young dancers. And Juliana with Paper Puppet Opera graced the stage with a beautifully crafted opera just for the Seafood Fest. Christy McDanold of Secret Garden Books presented afternoon story time, and BookIt Repertoire gave an intimate performance of Mem Fox’s Koala Lou. Families even enjoyed a special visit from the Engine 18 Ladder Company.
Unable to setup in the historical location at Ballard Commons, kids’ activities lined 22nd and 56th adjacent to the Ballard Library. Kids blew bubbles and decorated the streets with chalk from Clover Toys, made Jelly Fish Shakers with ILS, toddled about at the water tables from Kym’s Kiddie Corner, played games with Mox Boarding House, and made colorful paper puppets with Seattle ReCreative.
Thanks to a generous sponsorship from Verity Credit Union, face painting- featuring the stunning handiwork of Maki from Hoopla- was free for families. The Saber Guild joined Fur Fighters and ILS in raising funds for the Ballard Commons mural project, together raising over $500. And the generosity spread in a book-raiser held in collaboration between Secret Garden Books and Page Ahead.
Fur Fighters and All the Best Pet Care brought joy to our fur babies too! Splash pools and frozen doggy treats were available from All the Best Pet Care, while Fur Fighters had doggy biscuits for attendees to decorate for their favorite pup.
While we’re still catching our breath after the months of planning and the whirlwind of a weekend, we’re already dreaming up the possibilities for next year’s festival. Until then we are as always grateful to our community – the Ballard Alliance, Ballard Library, Girl Scout Troop 42071 and our local businesses and families – for coming together once again to share in the joy found at the Kids Deck!
