Sykesville festival for children of all ages

Day-long event includes more activities for teens

Organizers renamed the event from Sykesville Family Fun Day to Sykesville Family Festival to reflect the addition of activities for older children, said Sue Dolan, Parks and Events Committee co-chair. ‘‘We wanted to change it for families with children of all ages.”

This year’s event includes the typical moon bounce geared toward the younger crowd, Dolan said.

However, new this year is inflatable pedestal jousting for older children. Participants try to knock each other off an inflated beam, she said.

Dolan said she does not consider the day a town fundraiser; more of a gift to residents. ‘‘It will never, ever raise enough money to pay for itself. It’s a town offering.

‘‘This event has a small fee, but it’s structured so it will be affordable,” Dolan said.

The town has budgeted $4,000 for the event, said Irma Bast, town treasurer. ‘‘We don’t have the final numbers yet.”

Mayor Jonathan Herman agreed that the day is not meant to raise money for Sykesville. ‘‘It’s an event to bring together parents and children for a day of fun in the park. It’s for the entire community.”

Residents can buy a wrist band for $2 that will give admission to most activities and games, Dolan said. After completing the eight activities listed on the band, they can enter into a drawing for Webkinz, stuff animals that come with a secret code to care for a virtual pet.

The day also includes a ‘‘fun flush” booth, where people can buy five balls for a $1 to try and knock a bucket over someone’s head, Dolan said.

Individuals signed up to sit in the booth; however, Dolan said if anyone decides at the last minute to get wet, ‘‘we’re more than happy to take people on the spot.”

If you go

Sykesville Family Festival

11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday

Millard Cooper Park, Springfield Ave.

Parking at Sykesville Middle School, 7301 Springfield Ave.

Activity wrist bands, $2

Entertainment

Charming Molly, 11 a.m.

Crossfire, 12:30 p.m.

Dean Crawford and the Dunn’s River Band, 1 p.m.

Magic by David French,3 p.m.

The Shakespeare Factory’s Taming of the Shrew, 4 p.m.