Kootenay Children’s Festival marks 40 years of fun and whimsy in Cranbrook

Canada’s longest-running free children’s festival is back for its now 40th year of joy and community.

From 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, May 8, the Kootenay Children’s Festival is returning with a variety of activities for children to enjoy, including toddler paint sessions, bouncy castles, flower planting, and more.

“40 years is incredible,” said Festival Coordinator Monica Graham. “We’re seeing multi-generations now […] people who came as kids are bringing their kids.”

One way the festival is commemorating the four decades under its belt is through the new virtual Memory Wall, which includes past photos, news articles and posters from the event through the years.

“It’s amazing to see grandparents who were kids at that time, and I think collectively sharing memories is a really important way to build community.”

Kootenay Children’s Festival in 1988. (Image Credit: Kootenay Children’s Festival)

Graham also highlighted the work of volunteers in bringing the festival to life each year, with the organization hosting a Heroes of the Festival spotlight series to honour those involved. 

“We would love to highlight any nominations for Heroes of the Festival,” she added. “We have people that have been involved since the beginning, and from the founders, to the committee members, to community partners.”

Anyone interested in volunteering can reach out to Graham or sign up through the festival’s website.

The event is set to run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the following day.