For the Reporter

KidsDay – a full day of fun for families and children – returned to Les Gove Park last Friday.

The free event, presented by Auburn Parks, Arts & Rec – offered inflatable rides, children’s activities, live stage entertainment, mini golf, hands-on art activities, more than 100 information/activity vendors and a food court. Back again were the popular bungee trampolines, free face painting and a heavy equipment/vehicle display.

New this year were ballistic swing rides. Kids also panned for gold.

Eric Herman & The Thunder Puppies kicked off on-stage entertainment, followed by Recess Monkey, and The Noiseguy. Elephant Umbrellas, presented by the King County Library System, performed.

Auburn’s KidsDay began in 1985 and has increased in popularity ever since. New entertainment and activities are added every year.

The park features Discovery Playground, a spraypark, bocce courts and other attractions. A new addition is the Community & Events Center and The REC – Auburn’s new Teen Center.

Back by popular demand was the ArtRageous Zone, which invited attendees to work alongside professional artists to create their own masterpieces to take home. Featured artists were Brian Lane, offering a Screen Printing activity, Mary Ellen Bowers offering the Pointillism technique and Yon LeMieux guiding children in the creation of super hero capes.

Auburn’s KidsDay 2016 is coordinated by the City of Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation, with support from Fred Meyer Stores, UW Valley Medical Center, Community Health Plan of Washington, Amerigroup, Seattle Children’s South Clinic and 100.7 The Wolf.