Toopy and Binoo, the popular cat and mouse duo from the hit children’s television show, will headline the 2017 Oakville Children’s Festival on Sunday, July 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre (QEPCCC). Families across Oakville can dance and sing along to the theatrical production Toopy and Binoo: Fun and Games, as a toy chest full of games and puzzles ignite their curious imaginations.
The event will also feature performances by comedian and juggler Bob Cates, singer Mike Ford, Silk Acrobatic artist Heather Govender, KaHa:wi Dance Theatre’s Pow Wow Bootcamp, First Nations Storyteller Cheri Maracle, The Compound All Star Urban Dance Team, ROCKGarden Party, Toyland Puppet Show, and street magicians Ray Chance and Mike D’Urzo.
Celebrating Canada’s 150th anniversary is also part of the line-up with a special dance performed by Oakville’s Balletomane Inc. and an ArtHouse community mural that will transform the festival into a patriotic arts and culture playground for kids of all ages.
“The Oakville Children’s Festival is always a great event for families, and this year will be no exception,” said Mayor Rob Burton. “We’re always pleased to provide this great opportunity to celebrate Oakville’s arts and culture, especially as we commemorate Canada’s 150th anniversary.”
There will also be fun hands-on activities and interactive shows, Touch-A-Truck, City Parent Scavenger Hunt, Oakville Public Library storytimes, Friends of Library Book Sale, Sport Oakville Zone, archery, martial arts, YMCA of Oakville, face painting, and Monkeynastix. This year’s food features include the Kinsmen Club of Oakville BBQ lunch, plus many of the GTA’s most popular food trucks.
There is no parking on site and on-street parking restrictions will be enforced throughout the neighbourhood. Residents and out-of-town guests are encouraged to take the free Oakville Transit shuttle service from the Bronte GO Station. Free bike parking will also be available onsite.
The Oakville Children’s Festival committee is currently recruiting enthusiastic volunteers to help with this year's festival. Apply online at oakville.ca or email [email protected] for details.
Due to rising lake levels and ongoing flooding at Coronation Park, the town is temporarily relocating the 2017 Oakville Children’s Festival to QEPCCC, located at 2302 Bridge Road. Festival admission is free and the event will take place rain or shine. Additional acts and activities will be announced as they are confirmed. Visit oakville.ca for event updates.