27th Children's Festival taking place this weekend

The United Way of Weld County will host the 27th Annual Children's Festival on Saturday at the Island Grove Regional Park Event Center in Greeley. There will be 60 booths at the festival, with many having hands-on activities to entertain the children.

"We have activities for kids ranging from infant and toddler to kids as old as 12," said Sheila Watson, the director of Promises for Children at the United Way. "And while they're having fun, the agencies running the booth will be giving information to parents who might not know where to look for help and services."

The festival also will have an onsite immunization clinic, courtesy of the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment. The fee is $14.70 per immunization, but no one will be turned away if they can't pay.

Live entertainment is scheduled ever 30 minutes, including the East Memorial Mariachi Band, the Maplewood Middle School Theater Group and Dylan the Clown.

Watson said the festival attracts more than 5,000 people a year.

"I would tell any parent interested that they're going to love this festival," said Watson. "We show them fun activities that they can replicate at home with their kids, and they can learn about the services that Weld County provides."

<strong>To go</strong> The Children's Festival will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Island Grove Event Center, 421 N. 15th Ave. For more information, go to www.unitedway-weld.org