Write a commentThis year, Oswego's Harborfest and AmeriCorps have teamed up to create a "carnival themed" event called the Children's Gala set to take place from 6-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 23, at the Breitbeck Park food tent.
The gala's theme will be consistent with Harborfest's "Celebrate Oswego" theme with carnival style food and a celebration of the city in its original hey-day, according to the chair of the Children's Gala, Chena Tucker. Some of the carnival-style foods include hot dogs, popcorn and funnel cakes, which are all included with the purchase of a $5 ticket with the exception of children younger than 1 year old.
Workshops will be held during the event including bracelet and necklace making, name plate designs and other gardening events which will all be facilitated by AmeriCorps members as well as the Children's Museum members. There is also a scavenger hunt and obstacle course planned.
During the course of Harborfest, children will be able to measure exactly how many steps they take over the duration of the festival with a pedometer, which will be given out during the gala. On the final day of Harborfest, from 2:15-4:15 p.m., Sunday the 28th, each child and members of the Gala team will be meeting at the same location to count up the number of steps each child took and hand out prizes for those who participated.
"We're trying to really help promote health and fitness, gardening and good nutrition throughout our workshops," Tucker said. "The idea is not to create competition for the children but to give them a reward for just coming out and doing their absolute best."
AmeriCorps member Elyse Cianfarano agreed.
"We are working hard to give children and their families a quality event," she said.
Tickets will be on sale at the Harborfest Office at 41 Lake St.; the Oswego YMCA; Children's Museum of Oswego events; and Mother Earth Baby, 70 W. Bridge St.The gala is sponsored in large part by the Thrive initiative from the SUNY Oswego Office of Business and Community Relations.
For more information regarding the event, contact the Harborfest Office at 343-6858.
