Storybook magic: Book Fest’s (free!) KidZone claims its own event
A brand-new book fest event for the littles is jam-packed with author-led fun — from stories and magic to crafts, playtime, face painting and more.
For the first time, kids are getting their own event at the Saratoga Book Festival, with a three-hour KidZone that boasts more than 30 authors, entertainers and exhibitors.
On Sunday, October 5, head to the Saratoga Springs Public Library between 1 and 4 p.m. for this special event starring children’s books authors of all kinds — who are gearing up for lively read-alongs and interactive activities that instill the joy of storybook magic.
Plus, the area’s best children’s entertainment stars will be under one roof for this free all-ages event.
“KidZone is separate this year, and we’re really excited for our youngest readers to have this time all to themselves,” says Saratoga Book Festival Co-chair Jennifer Allen, executive director of Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library. “Our favorite local kids authors and entertainers are coming with some really fun programming that intertwines with reading — everything from magic tricks and kiddie yoga to arts projects. It’s going to be a blast.”
On the docket: Lucy R.T. Velandia, the youngest author at this year’s book fest, who will introduce her first debut book, Nikola The Hamster. Nikola is “an adventurous fun-loving, curious little hamster with big ideas,” and Velandia has a special arts project planned. And while Patrice Mastrianni reads from Find Me in Saratoga, David F. Globerson will bring the book alive by illustrating for the kids — right before their eyes.
There will also be kid yoga/playtime, a magic show, and even a sneak peek of the Saratoga Children’s Theatre’s upcoming production of Amelie.
“KidZone has been created to promote the magic and wonder of reading to our little dreamers,” Allen says. “With that in mind, the line-up makes sure that there’s never a dull moment — so plan to come and stay for the whole afternoon.”
KidZone Line-up of Events
1:15-1:45 Jump into a special arts project with Lucy R.T. Velandia, author of Nikola The Hamster
1:45-2:15 Kids yoga with Denise Bozza, yoga instructor and author
2:15-2:45 Magic Matt’s comedy/magic show
2:45-3:15 Live demonstration by illustrator David F. Globerson while Patrice Mastrianni reads her book, Find Me In Saratoga
3:15-3:45 Sneak peek live preview of the Saratoga Children Theatre’s upcoming production of Amelie.
All Day
No Spa City kids event is complete without Saratoga’s own miniature horse (and local celeb), Upset! Meet the mascot of the Dark Horse Mercantile, who stands only 33 inches tall and has never run in a race. He is proud to carry the name Upset and will help tell the story of Upset, The Original Dark Horse in Saratoga Springs. He even has his own mini plush horse!
Custom face-painting with the popular Miss Stacey’s Faces.
Meet Longshot the Moose with Saratoga author Vicki Addesso Dodd, creator of the popular Moose in my Stable series.
For more information, please visit friends.sspl.org.
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