By Martine Wolfe-Miller, PIO

MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (September 30, 2009) – Man’s first walk on the Moon will be the theme of this year’s Children’s Day Festival. Mount Pleasant school children will celebrate Neil Armstrong’s first step on the Moon’s surface with activities centering on the historic landing. The steps taken on the Sea of Tranquility on July 21, 1969 have had far reaching consequences for our space program and for the world.

Children’s Day Festival will run on Sunday, October 18, from noon to 5 p.m., at the Mount Pleasant Park West Recreation Complex. Admission is free to the more than 10,000 visitors and residents who attend the festival annually.

“The Children’s Day Festival themes often reflect the interests of our children. We have in the past celebrated the mystery of the jungle, famed movie and fairy tales characters, and the magic of childhood,” said Community Development and Tourism Event Planner Su McManus-Frost. “The steps taken on the Sea of Tranquility on July 21, 1969 have had far reaching positive impacts for our space program and for the world; and we are glad to share that experience anew with Mount Pleasant students.”

To promote the message of space travel, the festival will offer lunar-themed inflatables and school game booths will center on the historic milestone.

Mark Lippard will surprise his audience with unique feats of juggling, stilt walking, fire eating, balloon sculpting and unicycling. Rick Hubbard will again display the honorable and weathered art of kazoo playing and Magic by Chaz will take youngsters for an interactive journey through the world of magic.

New activities this year will include the Hula Hoop Lady, a third stage at the Kiddie Koral, and the Mount Pleasant Public Services Touch a Truck. Old favorites will include sports inflatables, pony rides, petting zoo, face painting, balloon art, game booths. Special performances will be given by local dance and gymnastics academies, karate schools, Roark Reptiles and cheerleading squads.
Clowns and mascots, the Carolina Costume Characters and BI-LO food characters will add fun to the festival. Mount Pleasant Waterworks will host its annual obstacle course.

Concessions will be available for sale, with proceeds benefiting participating local East Cooper schools. Free parking is available. Free admission, prizes and Halloween bags. Animals, bicycles and skateboards are not permitted.

For more information, please contact Su McManus-Frost at 843-884-8517. For additional information on town activities, visit the Town of Mount Pleasant website at www.townofmountpleasant.com.