Kids learn new life experiences, skills during annual Central PA Arts Fest Children's Day

Centre Co., PA (WJAC) — In Centre County, festival week is again drawing thousands of people and that includes downtown State College where the 57th Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts kicked off with the traditional Children’s Day.

It’s a familiar site in downtown State College with South Allen Street packed with festival goers.

Locals describe Kids Day as a big neighborhood block party, drawing kids of all ages.

“People will come in today and they'll either be here as a family, or as a vendor, or shopping as a family. Just getting their faces painted, or on the firetruck; just enjoying family time.”

The spotlight on Kids’ Day is younger artists showing off and selling their creations.

Officials say there were a record number of booths this year, close to 180.

6 News spoke with lan Handley and Emberlie Malcos about their custom light switch covers. They say they’re having fun, despite some marketing challenges.

“It’s a lot harder than it looks. It’s not as easy as some say it is. You have to count change and make sure customers are happy,” Emberlie said.

On Thursday, the festival's sidewalk sales begin with artists from across the nation setting up downtown and on the Penn State campus, along with a full schedule of musical performances and other events.

The festival is expected to draw close to 125,000 visitors through Sunday, but Wednesday was all about some new life experiences for the younger generation.

“Just the fact that what they’ve created has become a huge commodity for someone else is a huge thing for a child.”

ncG1vNJzZmivmpawtcKNnKamZ56axLR7y6iamqRfoLalv4ylnJqqnmK7psOMpaCfnV2axbGx0aKcp5uVqHq0t8ilo6xllKq%2FqrrGZpinpqWWuW6vxKerq5mcYr2iecCrq6xllprAtXnCoaClnKKau7R5w5qw