Sunday, June 24, 2007
Children enjoy the day at Portsmouth fest

By GRETYL MACALASTER
Staff Writer

PORTSMOUTH — With a painting of the Austrian Alps as a backdrop, over 100 children and their families enjoyed a classic Seacoast day in a classic Seacoast way Saturday.

The Prescott Park Arts Festival added a new activity this year with Kids Fest, which features an all-day performance of local artists geared for children including magicians and musicians.

Children of all ages boogeyed down in front of the stage in the park to the tunes of Judy Pancoast and watched Tricky Dick's Magic Show with joy and awe. Ben Rudnick and Friends also performed.

"It is like a kiddie Woodstock out here," Deborah Lielasus Tombleson, Prescott Park Arts Festival Executive Director, said with excitement.

Tombleson said they have been working to expand their music festivals to include many genres, adding Americana and Rhythm and Roots this year, and used that model to create Kids Fest, which will be held once a month this summer.

"I have had a couple of parents say what better place to bring the kids. It is low stress and low structure," Tombleson said.

Families enjoyed the summer sunshine and river breeze while lounging on picnic blankets and beach chairs.

"I love it. It is always fun to go sit around and hang out in the park," Amanda Trull of South Berwick said as she enjoyed the afternoon with her son and daughter.