8th Annual Kidsfair Offers Art For All!

On Sunday, November 4 from 12 p.m.-5 p.m., the 8th annual KidsFair at the John S. Knight Center will offer all of the fun that families associate with the Shaw JCC’s community event — along with art for all! Again this year, admission to KidsFair is $2 plus a canned food item for the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. Children under 2 are free.

“Akron boasts a vibrant arts community,” said KidsFair Event Chair Mike Segal, “and research shows that participating in the arts bolsters kids’ self-confidence and improves overall academic performance. At the Shaw JCC, we’re proud to celebrate the arts in Akron at KidsFair and eager to provide the community’s kids and families with a way to experience what the arts have to offer.”

Activity booths at KidsFair will showcase the arts, and local artist Mark Soppeland will lead families in creating a community art project on the theme of Noah’s Ark. Soppeland, a painter, sculptor and designer, has created more than forty-five public art projects. He has taught for 31 years at the Myers School of Art at the University of Akron where he was recently promoted to the rank of distinguished professor.

KidsFair 2007 stage shows will feature local performing artists as well as popular children’s characters; the highlight of the entertainment schedule will be Storytime Fun with Curious George from Western Reserve Public Media. Other performances will include scenes from the musical Schoolhouse Rock performed by students from Firestone High School and the Reach Out and Dance® education program of the Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet.

In addition to a celebration of the arts for families from all walks of life, KidsFair is a mainstay for several area nonprofit organizations that promote children’s health and wellness. The event is the Shaw JCC’s primary community outreach project and fundraiser and also supports the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank and The Millennium Fund for Children of the Akron Community Foundation.

KidsFair Visionary Sponsors include ACME Fresh Market, the City of Akron, Coca Cola, The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Western Reserve Public Media and WAKR/WONE/WQMX. Sponsorship opportunities are still available, and volunteers are in great demand. To learn more about sponsoring KidsFair 2007, please call or email Shaw JCC Director Todd Rockoff at 330-835-0021 or ; to volunteer for the event, please call or email Shaw JCC Membership Director Jen Alder at 330-835-0049 or .

Once inside, everything’s free!