Young Brian is all smiles as he goes down an inflatable slide many times bigger than him for the sixth time. His face lights up as he reaches the bottom, only to try and climb back up to the top again. His parents try to snap a picture before he runs back in line.
Where are Brian and his parents having this much fun in Bowling Green? At the WBGU-PBS Kids’ Extravaganza! For the fifth year in a row, the station has sponsored and run this family event.
Each year it gets bigger and better, too. Lisa Wayne, the Public Relations manager for PBS, estimates that there were over one thousand people in attendance that afternoon. There were also around ninety volunteers to help make this event a huge success.
The Kids’ Extravaganza had something for kids of all ages to enjoy. There was a DJ playing dance songs like the Hokey Pokey and the hits of Raffi. Children who felt artistic could go to the face painting booth or decorate a giant cookie. Many kids joined Brian in burning off some energy on the inflatable toys, which included a maze and giant slide. There were rows of carnival games and enticing foods like cotton candy. And everyone enjoyed seeing PBS characters Clifford the Big Red Dog, Jay Jay the Jetplane and Maya and Miguel. Many kids gave them a big hug or posed with them for a picture. Clifford even got down on the dance floor with some lucky youngsters.
This year, the whole community was involved in creating this entertaining afternoon for the children of Bowling Green. The fire department was on hand to show kids how fire trucks function, the police department taught kids about playing safely, and the Wood County Library helped out with arts and crafts. Students from both Bowling Green High School and Bowling Green Junior High volunteered and helped see that everyone had a good time.
Everyone’s hard work paid off in the end. Volunteers and attendees alike agreed that this year, the Extravaganza turned out better than ever before.
It is not hard to see why kids love the Extravaganza so much. Yet parents also approve of the event. Lisa Wayne offered several reasons why this event is a hit with parents as well.
“Tickets don’t cost much, so you can bring a lot of kids without spending much money,” she said.
Similarly to county fairs, there were a few games and events that cost a ticket in order to participate. However, tickets only cost twenty-five cents each, making this an affordable afternoon. Wayne said that the money goes to help the station cover the cost of putting on the event. Food, characters and inflatable rentals cost the most each year.
If this year’s Kids’ Extravaganza is any indication, it will be a favorite family tradition for years to come. Judging by the smiling faces seen all around, both parents and kids had a lovely afternoon. Let’s hope that WBGU- PBS continues to sponsor this low cost, fun-filled event in the future.
