The fun of Mardi Gras isn't just for adults.
On Feb. 11, Prince George's Mardi Gras of Winter Society is hosting its Wendy's Kids' Fun Fair as part of the Snow Daze festival.
The event takes place at the Connaught Youth Centre from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is an
annual hit with children and families.
There is no admission fee to the fair, but each game and food item will cost 50 cents.
Food available includes hot dogs, bottled pop, water and bags of chips.
While participants were asked to clown around in 2011, this year the theme is New Orleans style, so those in attendance are asked to dress up in feathers, masks and beads.
There are prizes for the top three best costumes, but the awards won't stop there.
"Everybody that wears a costume gets a free game," said society executive director Marian Axelson.
And don't forget to bring your cameras, as several of the city's favourite mascots will be on hand, including the festival's own Mardi Dog.
A craft table will be run by volunteers from the Zion Lutheran Christian School and there will also be balloon-animal making and face painting.
It takes more than 50 volunteers to make the afternoon happen, and they are recruited from high schools around town.
Cindy Smith, a leadership teacher at College Heights secondary school, facilitates this process.
"I have wonderful students who are working with three other schools to recruit the manpower needed to run this event," she said.
The students involved are also "paying it forward," she said with a stipend the society pays them for their work. This year, money is being put towards bringing water to children in Northern Uganda.
"We are very proud of the fact these students are working together for a common goal that helps others," Smith said. "The students are looking forward to the Mardi Gras theme, all the activities the kids' centre is planning and to sharing smiles
that day."
