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Festival et événements

International Children Festival

Here we enter the major leagues. If you have a child or children, it’s a mandatory detour in the small town of St. Albert, north of Edmonton, Alberta. I went for the first time on the weekend of my first birthday. My mother knew that I would be a little too young to enjoy all the workshops and activities, especially since I was not yet very strong on my feet, but I was able to enjoy several gaming stations despite my young age.

Across the vast site, there are exhibitions, workshops and stations at which to play. I particularly liked the big carpet with woollen rocks. Yes, you read that correctly! There was a field of rocks made of wool! At first glance, it really looked like they were real rocks of all sizes. My mother was a bit scared when she saw young children with rocks… But upon closer inspection, we quickly discovered that it was really great to go to a rock war without getting hurt. In addition, I was able to take one home.

I also really enjoyed the First Nations booth where I could touch real animal skins. People wore their traditional costumes and made music with drums. They also tried to teach me a few words, but I do not speak yet!

In the big tent, there was a concert. All the children received an instrument, and the singers asked us to participate by making noises in their song. There were also plenty of stations to awaken my senses: multicoloured rice tables, modelling clay, percussions, pools of balls, etc. I would have spent three days there, I liked it!

Then, a strong wind started up and it began to rain, which made us leave the site, to my great misfortune. I will go back again next year.

Good to Know

When to visit
Every year, at the end of May or the beginning of June.
How long to expect
2 to 3 hours.
Good to know
Several Food Trucks and other food kiosks are present on the site.
Parking
Parking nearby is limited but there are parking lots further with shuttle services.
Cost
$ 10 per day, Free for babies less than one year old. Workshops and concerts also have their own fares. Several packages available.

Message From My Parents

I loved this festival which is full of fun, is affordable and allows children to get to know the arts. Wherever we stopped, all the senses were explored. The facilitators interacted with the children, trying to include them. There is something for everyone and for all ages.

A small problem… parking is a problem. There is a shuttle service, but since I was with a baby, I wanted to be free to leave the site at my leisure. My car was parked a little bit far from the site, which made us walk in the rain when we left.