For the past 134 years, Father’s Day weekend in Manning has been a time to celebrate the children of the community. Over the last seven or eight years, Alyssa Riesberg has been helping organize the annual festival she knew only as Children’s Day growing up–Kinderfest. She says it is a lot of fun and there are many, many people that look forward to it every year. In honor of their long-standing history, organizers work to keep tradition alive.
The parade, however, is just one of many activities, some of which start early in the morning.
The parade travels south down Main Street and ends in the Manning City Park, where there are a variety of activities, games and rides taking place until 5 p.m. that evening. Riesberg says there is a little bit of everything from food to inflatables, toddler rides and a petting zoo, to a dunk tank and a booth using police radar to test kids’ pitching speeds. Children can have access to a majority of these activities with a $12 wristband that can be purchased at Manning City Hall. There are also game booths offering children a chance to win prizes for a small additional cost. Kids and adults alike can win prizes through the all-day raffle. Riesberg says they have gotten tremendous community support with 73 prizes that will be given away at 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Tickets are available at City Hall, the Manning Pharmacy as well as First National and Templeton Savings Bank. You need not be present to win. Whether you’ve never been to Kinderfest, or you attend every year, Riesberg says there is sure to be something fun for everyone with added attractions and booths in this celebration of children and family.
