If you're looking for something to do with the family on the Labour Day weekend, you're in luck. KidsFest in Fenelon Falls offers a look into the unique heritage of the Kawarthas.

KidsFest also celebrates the many ways the Kawarthas have been wonderful for families. Producing Tinkertoys, Crayola, Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream, and the great variety of classic wooden toys that enlivened childhoods of the 1950s and 1960s, the region is unusual for how much it has done for kids. It is the 125th anniversary of the first steamer ascending the Fenelon Lock, an important connection in making the lakes a tourist destination and home to the joys of cottage life. 

            Heritage comes to life at Maryboro Lodge: the Fenelon Museum. Garnet Graham Park will be rocking with nine concerts, featuring Juno-nominated performers Chris McKhool and Sonshine & Broccoli. Children will enjoy larger-than-life creations of local toys, crafts, hands-on activities and a splash pad. There will be a community campfire, magic, a petting zoo, pony rides, a real mermaid, and of course, free Kawartha Dairy ice cream.  The Cameron Lake Monster might even make an appearance.

            To celebrate the anniversary of the Fenelon Falls lock, KidsFest has a maritime theme. Participants can build a boat, float it down a stream and learn how locks work at a water table.

            "We wanted to host a family event that brings together the feeling of a summer folk festival with a fun fair," explains organizer Sharon Walker. "There will be over 30 hands-on activities, everything from Magic to a Rocket Launcher. There will be so much to do, and it's all free!"

You can find out more information at www.maryboro.ca/KidsFest