Yesterday we headed out to the Playground Music and Arts Festival at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando. We heard about the event on PBS while watching Pocoyo one morning. Guess TV advertising still works sometimes, huh? It was sponsored by the Orange County Arts Education Center and Playground magazine.
After 20 minutes of searching for parking and my daughter so kindly telling my husband that he was “going the wrong way daddy!” because he turned in the opposite direction from the lake, we started walking around the lake to see all the different booths and displays. There were student art shows from various local schools. Local artists were also set up displaying their artwork and we even saw a local woman who makes Puerto Rican vejigante masks. My daughter said the masks had big teeth, but was also truly intrigued by them and you could see she was trying to make out what they were. I wish I had gotten the name of the lady or her link, because now I can’t find her information. If anyone knows who she is or saw her there, let me know.
Anyway, we finally made our way to the playground area, where there were bounce houses from Monkey Joe’s, a clown making balloon animals from Birthday World, and lots of other kid-friendly events. Baby girl got a balloon bracelet from the clown, which I’ve never seen done before. I was also very happy that my girl did not get scared by the clown and actually talked to her.
Guess where we spent most of our time?
Once we convinced her that there were other things to do and see, we headed over to the stage where the lady from Belly Button Yoga was leading a small yoga session for the kids. Of course, my never one to be shy daughter, headed on up and did her yoga.
There were also some performances from various local dance and art centers. And it was hot. Really really hot.
We ended up making our way fully around the lake and right back to the bounce houses for one last round of fun before heading home.
Any locals make it out to the festival yesterday?
I was there, it was a great time for all.
Did you see Rae Rae The red panda?
He is from a new show “Enviropals” on WDSC PBS channel 15.
“ENVIROPALS!” is a environmentally focused, educational children’s show . Each show will highlight different environmentally sensitive places and the communities around them that promote programs that are ecologically aware.
Rae Rae had a great time at the Festival, and can’t wait to come back next year.
To find out more about “Enviropals” go to http://raerae.tv or watch on WDSC PBS Channel 15.
@April Brunning, Hi April! We didn’t get a chance to see Rae Rae, but have seen him on PBS in between shows. Glad you and Rae Rae had fun!
The place where you spend the most time is really amazing interesting. I envy you. Yoga is very useful for the body and for the psycho, but it is usually interesting only older people. It is great if you attracted attention of the daughter to practise with you.
@Tara, My daughter seems to like doing yoga. She’s actually done more of it than I have. 😉
The woman who was making the masks is Wendy Martinez. She is the art teacher at Citrus Elementary. Hope that helps!
@Jeni, That helps a lot Jeni! Do you know her? Let her know her work looked great!