Somersworth International Childrens Festival: 6-20-09

The event will kick off with a bang - literally - at 6:30 tonight at the High School football field. The Festival Pavilion will feature food, games, concerts by children's entertainer T-bone and local cover band Gazpacho, and of course, a fireworks show.

The festival's big day is Saturday. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., a continuous program of music, crafts, food, and games, among other types of entertainment, will fill a closed-off Main Street and Noble Pines Park.

A free bus located at the intersection of Washington and Elm streets will shuttle visitors to and from the park, which will feature pony rides, a free petting zoo, llamas, food vendors and an entertainment stage for various acts.

Main Street, closed off to traffic, will have continuous acts for children and adults. The World Culturals area will feature representatives from about 18 countries, including Brazil, Poland, China, Rwanda and Indonesia.

A variety of American and ethnic foods will be offered, and more than 80 crafters will showcase their wares for purchase. The Plaza Stage will feature musical for children and adults alike. The Expo Tent will have free hands-on demonstrations of crown-making and exotic animals from Wildlife Encounters. Visitors can even hold a snake. And the Early Childhood Play Area will have bubbles, finger painting, and a sandbox for the little ones.