Kidspalooza returns to Parks Township this weekend

A Parks Township fire company is giving back with a free children’s festival.

The 4th Annual Kidspalooza returns Saturday after being canceled last year because of the covid-19 pandemic.

The daylong festival is sponsored by the Parks Township Fire Department.

Lead organizer and volunteer firefighter Jaden McCluskey said Kidspalooza was created with a goal of giving back to to area residents.

“We think kids should be more interactive outside and the event has grown every year,” McCluskey said.

Other chairmembers include Colin McCluskey, Baylee Summerhill and Joel Brown.

The VFD usually spends about $1,800 hosting the event, but relies on monetary sponsorships from local businesses to offset costs.

This year’s sponsors are Naser’s, Duda Cable, Big Dogs Performance and Kochka Towing.

The event is designed for ages 12 and under, but McCluskey said all ages from any area are welcome.

“Everyone can come. We get kids from Leechburg, Ford City and Apollo and all over,” she said.

Planned free activities include pony rides for ages 12 and under, Touch-A-Truck, Pics with a fireman, inflatable skeeball and basketball, Q & A with a fireman, demos on fire safety and prevention and face painting.

A Chinese auction will be available and proceeds benefit the fire company.

“We take those proceeds and apply it to future events,” McCluskey said.

All children will receive a complimentary goody bag to take home.

The rain or shine kicks off at 11 a.m and concludes at 4 p.m.

The fire safety demonstrations are scheduled for around noon and again at 2:30 p.m.

“Everything is free except the food,” McCluskey said.

All kid’s meals are priced at $5.

Kid-friendly food choices available for purchase will include nachos, chicken strips and french fries.