It was field trip week for students across Penticton as an annual children's festival welcomed thousands of people to Okanagan Lake Park.
Ha Ha Ha Kidzfest returned to the city from June 5 to 7, with live entertainers from across Canada taking the main stage and a world-renowned art installation from the United Kingdom opening its doors to British Columbians for the first time.
Jacki Kliever, festival coordinator, said a combined 1,400 kids walked through the event's doors on Thursday and Friday for their class field trips. Saturday (June 7) was general public day.
This marked the fifth annual edition of Ha Ha Ha Kidzfest, which previously ran inside Gyro Park but moved to the bigger Okanagan Lake Park this year with "Luminarium: Arborialis" making a special appearance at the event.
The 11,000-square-foot structure ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½“ in B.C. for the first time ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½“ is a colourful walk-in exhibit that features winding paths and domes.
"It has been a really great addition to this as a one-off," Kliever said. "It's been almost two years in the works to get it here."
The festival welcomed a full slate of live entertainment on all three days, with music, dance, and comedy taking centre stage. Many of the acts, Kliever said, have appeared at children's festivals across Canada.
"Every year, we bring in a new roster of performers," Kliever said. "When you come to Kidzfest year after year, it's a different group."
The event also featured local vendors and outdoor games. In addition, non-profit groups and businesses were hosting activities under their respective tents.
While the festival wraps up on Saturday, the "Luminarium: Arborialis" will remain open on Sunday (June 8) inside the park.
Toronto is the only other Canadian city where the art display is currently open.
