News-Clip from WCAX TV 3 News

It was a holiday celebration of sorts.... that began with a parade - which led to a festival on the waterfront. Ben Reed and I went to see why kids were front and center this weekend in Vermont.

It was a day dedicated to the kids. All kinds of kids. From two legged "older" kids to four legged pets, dressed to impress some commercial kid-favorites were on-hand ... not to mention some unique mascots. The parade led to a waterfront carnival.

((Eleanor Ingersoll: kids day is a celebration of children and activities that help them grow and keep them stimulated. It is also an important event, in light of the battle that Vermont has been waging against underage drinking and how to stop it.))

((Bob "Capt. Kangaroo" Keeshan/VT Children's Fund: "We placidly think that we live in a wonderful society here in Vermont, and we don't have the problems that the far off urban center have-- but it's not true. We have a great many problems with families and children and even though we're are a family-friendly state in terms of our government programs there is still a need for citizens, people to work directly in providing for families and children in Vermont, and that's why I'm here.))

Though arts and crafts -- and sometimes-even goo -- parents were thankful for what kids got out of the day.

((Bryce Family: "we just went into this tent here and they had sticks from the ice storm and my little boy painted one and her thought that was the greatest. And they're just sticks, but they're memorable sticks from the big ice storm)) -3-

Kid's Day

Parade and Waterfront Festival

Below are photos of a Kid's Day parade down Main Street and The Kid's Day Festival on the WaterFront. If you point to any photo, you will get a description of that photo. If you " CLICK" on any photo that photo will ENLARGE.

Preparing For The Parade

The Burlington High School band players warmup and talk as they wait.

Man filling the balloon from helium tanks in pickup truck.

Mr. Bird greets children passing by as he waits for the parade to start.

Here's an alternate use for a dog leash. A concerned parent wants to make sure the kid won't be racing down Main Street.

Recognize any of here WVNY employees? Say, "If these guys are here, who's covering the news?"

Oh, Here they are!! Time for a few last minute shots, right guys??

Looks like they're getting in line. Police cruiser to take the lead, of course.

The Parade

Right behind the cruiser are some children and mothers holding some LONG banners, to announce what the parade is about.

Here's the band. They're tooting their own horns, as usual.

Well I guess the cruiser won't be leading for long. Seems the cars is overheating and has started to smoke. Good thing the Fire House is nearby. Of course, it took them 40 seconds to get through the intersection at Main and South Winooski, because of the parade.

And what would a parade be without spectators.

Concerned citizen, Ronald McDonald is checking the police cruiser.

Some people from the WVNY news-team, proudly display their banner and passing out their WVNY coloring books to the children.

Hello, Mr. Doughnut Man!

No, no, no!! You guys missed it! You already went by the scene. The police cruiser is back up at the corner of South Winooski and Main Street. What took you SO long, anyway. Oh, you didn't have any water. Yep, well (chuckle, chuckle) Didn't they teach you you guys to keep those things ready at ALL times?? Your going slow, too! Maybe it's time for a new truck??!!

Question: What happens when a penquin become bloated with helium gas?
Answer: It gets high. And judging from the building behind it, I'ld say this one's about 4 stories, high.

The State Police proudly present their funny police car. The car goes forward in both directions. This car has front wheel drive, and two front ends; both capable of steering. Best of all, everybody gets to sit in the front seat.