Last year for the Kids Fest

[LadyDrifter]

Website says it is the final year for the KidsFest.   Any news on what will replace it or why they are stopping it?

[rubedugans]

Just when my little one is getting old enough!

[Gilligan]

I loved Kids Fest!  I always picked up new ideas to use in my classroom, and there were always educational materials in the barn that I had not seen before.  My husbands response (while grinning) was, "So, I don't have to endure that any more?".  Needless to say, it wasn't his favorite festival, but he was a trouper!   

[Swoosh]

Not going away, just being renamed.  See also Dollywood.

[tiffanylynnt]

I'm glad it's not going away! I've always wanted my kids to enjoy it just like I did... when I get kids, that is 

[sanddunerider]

They will never do away with "kids fest"...  it is summer time, school is out AND they want you to bring your whole family to the park to play...

So events will change, Length of time may change a little, AND obviously the name will be changed...BUT there will always be a kid orientated festival in the summer for the younger members of the family..

[StaceySue]

This will probably sound snarky, but what exactly do people love about Kidsfest?

[Gilligan]

This will probably sound snarky, but what exactly do people love about Kidsfest?

For me - I only care about the educational aspect of it.  I walk around, my mind wanders, I get inspired...and I always get excited about new ideas I can use in my classroom.   Other than that, um..well...nothing... not the basketballs, running children, crying, cranky, tired parents.... 

[tiffanylynnt]

This will probably sound snarky, but what exactly do people love about Kidsfest?

Veggie Tales. That was always my favorite, although I think it's been awhile...

[KBCraig]

The only time I went during Kids Fest, I had kids of the appropriate age, and it was like Nickelodeon had exploded all over Main Street.

That was not what I wanted them to remember about SDC. I wanted them to experience the blacksmith and glass blower and rolling hoops like we had when I was a kid, not modern themed TV show stuff.

So yeah, it left a less than favorable impression.

[okiebluegrass]

I didn't mind kidsfest this year. I didn't see the characters etc. I saw a lot of the kid oriented jokes on the signs. The brightly painted activity areas, etc. But the kids were generally well behaved both days we were there.

[Preachin_Bill]

As I told my dad this year, "Well...looks like the kids can't come to SDC next year.  Adult themes only." 

SDC always was and always is a kids fest...some kids are just a lot older.  What I did like about it was some of the shows like the magician and the dogs, but when I was a kid the show for a few years was the civil war show about the battle of (drawing a blank) creek near Branson.  I loved it.  And I was a kid.  Way more historical and educational.

[Swoosh]

Great American Summer will be the festival replacing KidsFest.
Basically they are rolling KidsFest and Moonlight Madness into one event.
Park should be open 10-10 every day

[sanddunerider]

I wondered id they were playing with that idea.

They have run several "extended" days this year.

It seems like they always have agood turnout in the evening.

[Ozarks Gal]

Great American Summer will be the festival replacing KidsFest.
Basically they are rolling KidsFest and Moonlight Madness into one event.
Park should be open 10-10 every day

I like the sound of that!