Good Neighbor Festival to celebrate local heroes, community
| Thursday, Nov 05 2009 11:34 AM
Last Updated Thursday, Nov 05 2009 11:34 AM
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Good Neighbor Festival
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
Where: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 1000 S. Owens St.
Admission: Free
For more information: 322-9874
To the casual observer, the Good Neighbor Festival -- with its petting zoo, rock wall and vendor booths -- may look like just another neighborhood carnival.
But to Kevin Keyes, gang prevention specialist with Kern County Superintendent of Schools, the annual festival is a chance to show neighborhood kids that there are adults beyond their own parents who care about them.
"We know when children have relationships with caring adults outside their family, they stand a good chance of growing up successful and healthy," Keyes said. "This festival shows the strong collaborations that are in place to help children succeed."
The third annual Good Neighbor Festival, hosted by the Southeast Neighborhood Partnership, is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park. There will numerous activities for children, including train rides, pony rides and bounce houses, and resource booths offering information on medical, legal, housing and childcare services.
The festival will also honor Hidden Heroes, local residents who "go out of their way" to help their community. Festival organizer Linda Estell said this year's Hidden Heroes, like last year's, are advocates for children.
"These folks go the extra mile to serve their community, so it's important they're thanked in front of the community for the work they do," Estell said.
The Hidden Heroes awards will be presented at noon. This year, the festival will add youth recipients to its roster of heroes.
The festival will also feature food booths and a dance contest sponsored by Stay Focused Ministries. The day, Estell said, is important for the neighborhood.
"It shows we can get together without conflict; that we can enjoy each other's company while learning about the available resources in Kern County," she said.
-- Marylee Shrider is a member of the Southeast Neighborhood Partnership, sponsor of the Good Neighbor Festival.
