鈥淪tomp鈥 by Kirk Franklin swelled and softened in the background Saturday as children walked alongside their parents at Kid Fest.
A navy blue sign reading "Welcome to Kid Fest" greeted families as they entered the festival grounds under a bridge near the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport. Children bounced with anticipation as they made their way through the entrance tunnel.
Kid Fest, a free community festival now in its fifth year, was held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday聽at BREC Scotlandville Parkway. Presented by Community Against Drugs And Violence and Scotlandville Community Development Corporation and supported by The Walls Project, the event brought together families, community organizations and youth entrepreneurs for a day of education, culture, entertainment and community engagement.
Organizer Pat McCallister-LeDuff said the initiative that eventually became Kid Fest began as a community effort to improve neighborhood conditions in Scotlandville. After 15 years of community cleanup and outreach efforts, she launched the festival to help children see themselves as leaders, innovators and changemakers.
"We want every child who attends to leave feeling seen, valued, encouraged and empowered to pursue their dreams," McCallister-LeDuff said.
Vendors lined both sides of the festival grounds. On one side, youth-owned businesses such as Jaylicious Lemonade, Bundles of Beauty and DMP & Z Fine Fragrances and Accessories showcased their products. Across from them stood community organizations and businesses including the Baton Rouge Police Department, Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, BDG Creations and Line4Line's free book stand.
Brightly colored bouncy houses stretched across the grassy area beneath the bridge as children sprang into the air with excitement. Nearby, oversized "225" numbers decorated with flowers rested on the grass.
Across the festival grounds, young entrepreneurs showcased books, artwork, lemonade and handmade accessories while gaining experience interacting with customers and sharing their businesses with attendees. Community organizations also used the festival to connect families with resources and educational opportunities.
At the Line4Line table, shelves were filled with colorful children's books featuring Black boys and girls. Lucy Perera and Tina Miles shared information about the nonprofit's literacy, mentoring and arts-based programs while distributing free reading materials to families. Perera said the organization intentionally selects books featuring Black children so young readers can see themselves reflected in the stories they read.
Nearby, James Roan of the Scotlandville Culture Center displayed books, photographs and historical information highlighting Scotlandville's legacy, notable residents and its connection to Southern University.
In the center of the festival, children with twinkles in their eyes sat patiently as their faces were painted by Airbrushed By Me while families explored vendor booths and activities.
Near the end of the festival grounds sat "Little Scotlandville," a play area designed for infants and toddlers. The miniature town featured replicas of local businesses including Empire Wings, Navy Federal Credit Union and Aetna Pierce Clinic, giving children an opportunity to interact with places they see throughout their community.
"They need to see places that look like where they grow up," said Ashley Riley, creator of Little Scotlandville.
The sound of a choo-choo train echoed throughout the festival as children rode through the grounds. They passed a recreation area for older children ages 8 to 18 featuring basketball activities and a football-themed inflatable attraction.
BDG Creations, owned by 10-year-old Braileigh Gray, featured one-of-a-kind canvas art, bookmarks and bracelets. Inspired by her mother, Tyquencia Vessel, a local art teacher, Braileigh creates her own artwork and develops her own creative techniques. She has operated her business for one year and was making her second appearance at Kid Fest.
"Just believe in yourself and do what you love," she said.
At 14, Zaria Cherry has already published multiple children's books. Cherry said she began writing stories as a child despite having dyslexia, a learning difference that can make reading and writing more challenging. She published her first book at age 9, "Lulu the Lollipop Girl," which teaches children the importance of balancing sweet treats with healthy habits.
"I want kids to know that no matter how old you are, you should always strive to do what you like," Cherry said.
Among the attendees was Brandy Beal, who brought her twin children to the festival. Beal said Kid Fest provides opportunities for families to spend time together while exposing children to positive activities and resources.
"It's free, for one. Everybody doesn't have money to do stuff like this. Two, it's very family friendly and it includes everybody," Beal said.
Brianna Meeks is a journalism student at Southern University. She reported and wrote this story with the support of the nonprofit Louisiana Collegiate News Collaborative, an 糖心传媒-led coalition of eight universities funded by the Henry Luce and John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur foundations.