Kidspalooza
by Cassandra Yardeni

With the revitalization of Downtown El Paso well underway, the area’s arts and museum organizations invite the city to celebrate with the inaugural KidsPalooza Downtown Family Art and Musical Festival. On March 8, several local venues will host events to include concerts, art and music workshops, activity booths, theatre performances and science exhibits that highlight the city’s thriving cultural scene.

“Kidspalooza Downtown is the first major coming-together of all the arts organizations in Downtown El Paso,” says Stephanie Dodson, Fund Developer for the El Paso Symphony.

Although the festival will be the first of its kind, event organizers expect KidsPalooza to pave the way for citywide enrichment in the future. As the Sun City continues to grow, functions such as this one echo the importance of cultivating a progressive cultural fiber within the community.

“It is important for our community to see what a tremendous variety of fun, enlightening and cultural events they all have to offer. It is equally important for our children to be exposed to the great variety of artistic opportunities open to them. Surely watching a dance performance, going to a concert, creating a piece of art or listening to a story about music will inspire a budding artist,” adds Dodson.

The KidsPalooza Downtown invites you and your family to enjoy the following activities:

• ‘The Classical Clown’ concert with Dan Kamin at The Plaza Theatre at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

• The Creative Kids’ oLo Gallery tours and hands-on art workshops, available throughout
the day.

• Outdoor carnival at Cleveland Square Park, sponsored by El Paso Parks and Recreation.

• ‘Music and Books’ activities, located at the El Paso Public Library

• 15 – 30 minute ‘Make & Take’ programs throughout the day, located at the El Paso Museum of Art.

• A ‘Music through Time’ show and ongoing workshops, presented by the El Paso Museum
of History.

• ‘Music Science’ exhibits and instrument-making workshops throughout the day, located at
Insights El Paso Science Museum.

• ‘Train Whistle Sounds at the Railroad & Transportation Museum of El Paso

• Shakespeare theatre, puppet theatre and folkflorico and flamenco dancers on various stages throughout Downtown, presented by the Museums and Cultural Affairs Department.

Other activities may include Plaza Theatre tours, food and drink vendors, school bands and music groups performing at various venues and an Earth Harp presentation. Trolleys will circulate throughout Downtown, providing easy access for families to all KidsPalooza sites.

Event sponsors include local businesses such as TVO North America, Village Inn, Rocky Mountain Mortgage and InterNational Bank. By securing sufficient underwriters, event organizers hope to provide the festivities free of charge.

As all El Pasoans are invited to the festival, Dodson is “confident that the response will be so enthusiastic that [attendees] will want this event to continue for years to come.”

“We’d like to encourage families of all ages to come, as there will be something for everyone. We are also encouraging military families to join us so they can learn about what our Downtown has to offer in arts and music,” she says.

In response to those who may be leery of Downtown El Paso and its progress, Dodson says, “For those who say there is nothing to do downtown, Kidspalooza Downtown will dispel that notion in a hurry. There will be tons to do, it will all be fun and it will open all our eyes to our great arts community.”

As the Downtown Plan continues to evolve, it is encouraging to see the city of El Paso come together in such a joyous, festive way. KidsPalooza promises to deliver a celebration that finally captures spirit and potential of the Sun City.