Bullitt County's KidsFEST was a big hit, with kids of all ages participating in Saturday's event.
More than 70 booths were set up at the Paroquet Springs Conference Centre in Shepherdsville, giving away everything from toothbrushes to water bottles.
Every child that attended also received a stuffed elephant, donated by Kosair Charities.
The Bullitt County Chamber of Commerce estimates that 3,000 people attended this year's festival, almost double the amount that attended last year.
Particularly exciting was the debut of the Mobile Lincoln Museum, provided by the Kentucky Historical Society. The quill writing activity was one of the most popular this year, and the Historical Society is expected to return again next year, according to Chamber Executive Director Freida Howe.
Also very popular this year was the Thumbuddy ID program provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, according to Howe.
Inside the conference center, kids were entertained by such acts as Mr. Magic Jeff Russ, always a popular attraction, Amber Sewell, who was the MC, and Ronald McDonald. They were also able to participate in the YMCA's "Kids Boot Camp" event and watch a Tae Kwon Do demonstration.
Wall to wall people signed up for door prizes, petted puppies, ate free popcorn, played games, learned about nutrition, and talked to police officers and firefighters. There was a craft room set up by the Bullitt County Public Library, where kids could make masks and get their hair spray painted a fun color.
In addition to the booths, health screenings were provided upstairs, where children could get their eyes, ears, and teeth checked, and even get their spine checked for scoliosis.
The outdoor activities were also very popular on this warm and sunny day. Activities included a bicycle obstacle course set up by the Bullitt County YMCA, a bouncy house, a basketball court, cheerleading demonstrations, and more.
The presenting sponsors of the event were Norton Healthcare and Kosair Children's Hospital. Co-sponsors included The Pioneer News, the Shepherdsville/Bullitt County Tourist & Convention Commission, and Publishers Printing Company.
Photo: The Pioneer News/Stephen Thomas
