19th Annual Grand Kids Festival Springs Into Action Today at Grand 1894 Opera House

The 19th Annual Grand Kids Festival will spring into action today, April 5th, 2014 in Galveston's beautiful, Historic Downtown Cultural Arts District. Presented by The Grand 1894 Opera House indoors and out on Postoffice Street between 20th and 23rd Streets, this premier family fun event in the spring provides hands-on access to activities for children and their families to raise an appreciation and awareness of the fine arts and to demonstrate the talent and ability of our community's children. It is made possible through the generosity of many foundation, corporate and individual sponsors and a veritable host of volunteers!

New and exciting at Kids Fest this year is Four-Time Grammy Nominee Trout Fishing in America! Created over three decades ago as a musical partnership by Texans Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet, these two well-known entertainers continue to seamlessly blend their musical talents to appeal to the imagination and hearts of audiences of all ages. Grimwood plays bass and Idlet, guitar and banjo. Families won't want to miss singing along to some of their most popular songs such as "Big Round World", "Lookin' at Lucky" and many more.

Additional new activities and vendors include a 9-hole mini-golf course, Bungee Trampolines, the 5 minute portrait done by Cecelia Eidenmiller, Pastel Street Murals by Miller Intermediate from Pasadena, Texas and much more.

It wouldn't be a Grand Kids Festival without the many student groups from all over the Galveston/Houston area that perform on the outdoor stages. New performers this year include the "All Stars" Banjo Band under the Direction of Buddy Griffin, leading more than fifty student banjo players from ages 7 to 17, sure to get your toes tapping and hands clapping. The Texas City Choral Department under the direction of Kathy Skinner will be first-timers as well and many of Galveston schools' performing groups will be returning as their amazing talents are showcased.

Don't miss out on the fun! Save the date April 5th, 2014. Admission to The Grand Kids Festival is $5 adults; $3 for children ages 5-12; free admission for children 4 years and younger. Tickets are available at The Grand's box office and on line at www.thegrand.com. If you purchase your tickets in advance, festival tickets will be available at half-price through The Grand's box office and website.

Sponsors for the 2014 festival (to date) include: Jamail Galveston Foundation, The Permanent Endowment Fund of Moody Memorial First United Methodist Church, Galveston.com and Company, Yaga's Children's Fund, Houston Family Magazine, CenterPoint Energy, Texas Commission on the Arts, Alice Taylor Gray Foundation, Mr. Armin Cantini, The Commodore on the Beach Hotel, The Galveston Rotary Foundation, Lyda Ann Quinn Thomas and the Park Board of Trustees of the City of Galveston, as well as many friends of the festival and in-kind donors.

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