Celebration of literacy and learning in Saskatchewan

The Children’s Festival of Saskatchewan kicks off June 5 in Saskatoon, celebrating the themes of literacy, environmental stewardship, cultural diversity and becoming your best, according to the official website.

The festivities commence with the Saturday Night Celebration Gala on June 4, featuring a performance by the Grammy award-winning Louisiana band, Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience.

The festival itself runs from June 5 to 8, and features performers from Australia, Mexico, West Africa, the USA and Canada with a focus on the art of puppetry. Other acts will also include dance, theatre, storytelling, circus arts and music.

Tickets are $8.50 for daytime performances and $10 for evening shows – site activities are free with the purchase of a performance ticket. On June 5, $30 will cover admission and food for a family of four during the Sunday Family Flapjack.

The Children’s Festival was founded in 1988 to help compensate for diminishing arts education in schools. About 20,000 people attend the event each year, and it is ranked as one of the top three festivals in the province by the Saskatchewan Arts Board