Puppets highlight Children’s Festival

Tuesday, April 9, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

The Jim Gamble Puppets, arts and crafts, workshops, storytelling, Dr. Yo, clowns, mimes, carnival rides and much more will be presented at the annual Clark County Children's Festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Winchester Center and Park, 3130 S. McLeod.

The event is sponsored by Clark County Parks and Recreation and KVVU Channel 5. Admission is free, with fees for the carnival rides and food vendors.

The Jim Gamble Puppets of Los Angeles will present "The Carnival of the Animals" by Saint-Saens. LA Parent magazine says, "Youngsters will love it, while parents find it charming." Show times are at 1:30 and 3 p.m.

The performances in the theater begin at 11 a.m. with Sign Design Theater, a group of local youngsters who perform in sign language. Other performances include mime Sandy Schiller; percussionist David Korup, who demonstrates different styles of drumming; the Fern Adair Conservatory of the Arts; and Channel 10's Mike McCarty, who will tell stories in character as "Indiana Bones."

In addition to continuous performances, there will be ongoing activities outside in the park. Carnival rides will be available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dr. Yo will showcase his repertoire of yo-yo tricks. There will be ongoing contests for prizes.

A crafts tent will feature free hands-on projects for children all day, such as button-making and paper bag decorating. The Recmobile will offer games and activities, and vendors will sell hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, drinks, ice cream and more.

A bike-decorating workshop and parade will take place in the afternoon. Children are encouraged to bring their bikes and participate. Children may also take part in free workshops in puppetry, mask-making and music. Registration will be taken that day.

For more information, call Clark County Parks and Recreation, 455-7340.

Jim Gamble