Children and the Arts Festival
Peterborough, NH’s Celebration of Kids and Artistic Expression
Saturday May 17, 2008 marks the 15th annual festival celebrating children and the arts in Peterborough, NH.
One Saturday each May Peterborough, NH dedicates its downtown to children and their many ways of artistically expressing themselves. This year’s theme is Heroines & Heroes and the events will extend from Friday night through Sunday afternoon.
Before and After Saturday
Though the festival itself officially occurs Saturday, related events start the festivities Friday night and end it Sunday afternoon. One is a spaghetti dinner early Friday evening to benefit a local learning center. Another is a Friday night percussion presentation by local students from the South Meadow and Great Brook schools. Sunday holds the afternoon concert of the Peterborough Children’s Choir.
Saturday
Saturday holds a large variety of artistic fun for children of all ages. The day starts at 7:30 AM with a pancake breakfast or a light hiking event to a beautiful location for sketching and writing. By 10 AM the town will be packed with events; at local businesses and churches, on the sidewalks and in the parks, at the Town House and other historic buildings. There is also the much anticipated Parade of the Giant Puppets, all of which were created by local children, that colorfully entertains downtown at noon.
Musicians will be everywhere. Bassoon students, drummers and violinists will present their repertoires. Local middle school and high school bands, from jazz to rock, will present their talent. Piano, voice and flute students will perform their original compositions. There is also a solo performance from Nellson Perry, a talented young saxophonist.
Dancing abounds for both performances and participants. From ballerinas to modern expressionists, Irish dancers to cloggers adults and children together provide many options for entertainment. Those who prefer to join the dancing can participate in two separate contra dances or a line dance.
Athletes also will present their talents. Exhibitions from local martial artists, gymnasts and cheerleaders are t Putnam Park and Town Hall. The Hilltop Circus will also have its seventh and eighth grade performers putting on a show for all ages.
Writers and actors alike have many options for enjoyment. Poetry readings, folk tales and a story teller will provide different ways for children to be entertained and entertain others. Students from various schools will present skits, show their original films, and even involve the audience in improvisational games. Andy’s Summer Playhouse and the Peterborough Players will present skits and acts. The MacDowell Colony will present some of their artist’s film works, which includes a collaborative film with local high school students.
Illustrative art is also highlighted. The Sharon Arts Center will have their current exhibit, “The Language of Faces” available and is inviting families to stop by to create their own family portraits. High school students will present reenactments of famous paintings. The business store fronts will display student artwork. Everyone is also invited to assist with the creation of a sidewalk chalk mural.
Finally, for families with more active needs for fun, there are events designed especially for fun. Musical chairs and a scavenger hunt will keep young and old moving. Local Boy Scouts will hold their annual Pinewood Derby and the local Lion’s Club will host its annual Lucky Duck Race.
