2008 Queen Judy Gambee dubs a new Princess

Girls and boys of all ages lined up at the entrance to Queen's Court to be made a Princess or a Knight of the Queen's Royal Court.

VIEW FROM THE LOST PARENT'S TREE 2008

The "Hospitality Crew" seen above are Pat Blair's grandchildren. They came to bring us snacks and cool drinks often during the Sunday Night Session. These girls loved their job and came back for each session!~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sunday , July 20th the Children's Festival opened at 5:30 PM. Many, many children and their parents were standing in long lines waiting for the ticket booth gates to open. Such excitement and anticipation was shown by children that had visited the Children's Festival in previous years. They were obviously anxious to be the first ones in line for a special activity that caught their attention at an earlier festival. The "newbys", too, were excited and anticipating something but had no idea what fun they would experience in the three hours they would be on the hill in Jacksonville!~~~~~~~~~ As we, Linda Higgins, Karen Dailey and Pat Blair, stationed ourselves in preparation for the opening of the festival we knew that being a "guardian" at the Lost Parent's Tree is one of responsibility but it is packed with enjoyment and also with the pleasure of seeing children and their parents enjoying the fun! Lately it has become the tradition of the past Children's Festival Queens and Directors to volunteer for this popular assignment.~~~~~~~~~ Rarely do you hear children fussing or parents scolding their child. It is an unusual occasion when suddenly a child or a parent becomes lost. When that happens, however, the "guardians" at the lost parent's tree swing into action. A lost child becomes the paramount issue for the entire festival grounds! The child's name, age, full description down to the color of their shoes is determined. Who the child is with, what other children were with that child, etc. We notify on our "walkie-talkie" the main information booth who alerts the gatekeepers and informs someone at the main stage who immediately announces the child's name and parent's name. Usually the parent/child remains at the Lost Parent's station until the problem is resolved. Once the child/parent is found it is announced and the parent/child now reunited return to the fun with a closer view of each other! Sunday Evening we only had one child who needed to be located by a lost grandmother.~~~~~~~ As for the rest of the time spent at the Lost Parents station . . . well, you might say it is like spending time with old friends at a family reunion! People drop by just to say hello and recall "the good old days" they have spent at Children's Festival.~~~~~ Strategically placed right in the center of the grounds in front of Britt Pavilion helps too! We are entertained by the continuous performances that fill the stage from 5:30 to 8:30 PM with music, dance- ( ballet, jazz,) karate, acrobatics, blue grass music, etc., performed by CHILDREN! Last but not least, the DANCE PARTY ... all children are invited to dance on stage for the last thirty minutes. The kids love it!~~~~~