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‘Boys of Summer’ inhabit Bayou Playhouse
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A roster of popular fairy-tale princesses, the inquisitive PBS character Super Why and a 7-foot-tall interactive robot only scratches the surface of attractions at Houma’s 15th-annual Summer Fun Kids Day.
Condensed into six hours and staged in the comfortable confines of the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center’s air-conditioned quarters, the community mainstay is targeted at children between the ages of 2 and 12, but some goings on can appeal to teenagers, said Scott Belanger, the civic center’s manager of sales and marketing.
“It’s really a community event, so we want to provide quality entertainment at an affordable price for families,” Belanger said of Kids Day, produced locally by the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center Development Corporation.
Kids Day is saturated with games and activities, all of which are available for free – excluding items sold by vendors – with the $3-$5 price of admission. Attendance has consistently hovered around 3,000, Belanger said.
Although Super Why grabs top billing this year, he may be displaced in popularity by a gaggle of performing heroes and heroines tailored on stars of animated movies.
Thibodaux-based dance studio and party palace La Tea Da presents its own representation of the “Frozen” sisters Elsa and Anna, as well as Olaf and several other characters from various Disney films.
Since implementing the “Sisters Forever Frozen Extravaganza” theme earlier this year into its party planning, summer camps and dance recitals, the studio has garnered gleeful audiences from throughout south Louisiana, said owner Margo Clement, who has managed the dance studio for 32 years and party entertainment for seven.
“For Easter, we had a ‘Frozen’ Easter,” Clement said. “This year, because it was so popular, we actually did a tea party for Easter. I had no idea just how big everything was. When we posted this, we booked two different seatings in three hours. The phone rang off the hook.”
Clement said she’s not exactly sure why this particular film has generated a more intense adoration among children, though she has a few ideas: the contemporary feel, that there are two princesses instead of one and that the trials they face are relatable. Some of the movie’s messaging may also play a role in its popularity.
“I think it’s promoting a very powerful image through the voice of children,” Clement said. “For many of us in our lives, we carry so much negativity or things from the past with is throughout our lives. It’s to let go and move on and not let what’s happened in the past destroy you.”
The Elsa and Anna look-a-likes perform ahead of a 12-foot-wide, 9-foot-high castle replete with a snow machine. Aside from the performance, other La Tea Da princesses (Sleeping Beauty, Ariel and Belle, for instance) on site are made available for photos with children.
“To see the smiles on the kids faces when they meet the little character that they’ve seen on TV was just wonderful,” Clement said.
The live stage also showcases 7-year-old award-winning pianist Paul Kreamer, a second princess sing-along coordinated by Party Palooza, martial arts exhibitions, theater productions, Miss Louisiana Teen USA Mary Risener and renowned local vocalist Cameron Richard, among other acts. Save for a few 5-minute breaks, on-stage action does not stop, Belanger said.
“We’re really looking to showcase the youth of the community,” Belanger said. “We really want them to be the star and the show.”
Elsewhere, the Purple Penguin Art Company offers free face painting. An arts and crafts booth is managed by the Bayou Country Children’s Museum. The Raising Cane’s Play Zone provides access to a rock wall, inflatables for all ages and an obstacle course.
U:Bot, who stands 7-feet tall, allows children to experience being a powerful robot.
“The children can actually go inside of him and control him,” Belanger said. “He has laser shooters, and he’ll change how your voice sounds.”
Alongside the robot is a “4-D” movie ride, which tilts and twirls riders as they watch a synced 3- to 5-minute film. Adjacent to the ride are video-game consoles.
A “treasure hunt” takes participants to various vendors’ booths as they aim to complete the puzzle. Every one who finishes the scavenger hunt is entered into a random drawing for prizes that include a $500 shopping spree at Southland Mall, passes to Blue Bayou and the Global Wildlife Center, a gaming console and gift cards.
Synergy Bank’s mascot Penny D. Pelican is available for pictures. The event’s title sponsor reprises its “Price Is Right” Plinko-like Synk-It game and introduces a money machine, in which redeemable “Penny dollars” cascade around participants. Synergy’s prizes include coin bags, coloring books, beach balls and more, said Synergy marketing associate Katie Portier.
The bank, which regularly teaches children financial literacy, has been involved with Kids Day since its inception.
“Really, this day is about the kids having fun,” Portier said. “We like to be involved (with children) at a young age. Since the beginning, we felt like this was a great community event that we can be a part of and give a little back.”
Event organizers are continuing their search for volunteers to assist with various activities. Students seeking service hours are welcome, as are community groups. Prospective volunteers can obtain more information by calling the civic center’s office at 985-850-4657.
Performers are children, as is the target audience, at Summer Fun Kids Day, which is held annually at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center. All on-stage performances, as well as the various activities, require no cost other than price of admission.
