Pete Lewis, Chairman of the Airdrie Children's Festival Society had one word to describe yesterday's (May 26) inaugural event. 

"Wow!"   Okay, that was his first word.  Lewis had a few more.  "I don't know if there was anything that could have made it better.  We've had so many comments from people, right from 10:00 when we opened.  The crowds were big, they got bigger as the day went on.  Our entertainers were all super stoked, even our food trucks ran out of food.  Our attendance was above what we thought, no accidents and no lost kids."

In fact, Lewis says, if they do the festival again next year it may be tough to top.  Wait.  Did we say "if?"

"It's not an "if," we are for sure going again next year.  We're going to move to a two-day festival next year.  I think we just build on what we have.  I think we built a good foundation this year.  I think we've got a really good team.  Our volunteers were exceptional.  This wouldn't go on without them.  I don't think there's a lot to change but I think we can just build on some great stuff that's already started."

Along with thanking their volunteers, Lewis gave credit to the business community in Airdrie for making the event 100 percent free.

"We've had fantastic support from the business community.  We had some businesses that bought into what we were doing before we ever really had a plan.  I can't say thank you enough.

The festival included well know children's entertainers and Juno nominees Bobs and Lolo, Juno winner Norman Foote, Albertan Peter Puffin and Clarence Wolf Leg Jr.  

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