Wizard of Oz Kids Fest planned at the George County Center

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and the Downtown Lucedale Business Association have combined efforts to produce the Wizard of Oz Kids Fest .  On Sept. 9 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., they will transform the George County Center in Lucedale into a child’s ultimate playground.  The family event is expected to draw more than 1,000 parents and children from across South Mississippi.

“This event really brings the community to the college’s George County Center.  We are excited to combine this year’s event with another successful event – the Wizard of Oz Festival – and to be working with the Downtown Merchants Association,” said Dr. Dean Belton, administrative dean of the George County Center. “Kids Fest always introduces a whole new group of community leaders and children to the college.”

Dina F. Naron, president of the Lucedale business association, said, “The festival will have dozens of activities for families, from pony rides and rock-wall climbing to hands-on crafts and a space walk.”  She added that there will be a look-alike contest for characters from “The Wizard of Oz.”  “We encourage everyone to come dressed up as a character.  That makes it more fun, and we will give out prizes for best costumes.”  Other activities planned for the festival include a parade, a hayride, various food booths, a giant slide, a dunking booth and a movie in the park.

Kids Fest is hosted by the college’s George County alumni chapter and has raised more than $10,000 for Gulf Coast student scholarships.  Part of those funds comes from the sale of chicken dinners, which are sold ahead of time and on the day of the festival.  They are available for pick-up at the festival, and the center is providing a place for people to sit and eat.

“We are excited about this year’s Kids Fest because we are partnering with the Lucedale Merchants Association to combine some activities and try for bigger and better than the past two years. The Kids Fest is vital to scholarships for George County residents.  Students attending full time at MGCCC are eligible to apply for the scholarship. The Kids Fest is a great way for families to do something together, have fun and for us to raise money...all at the same time,” said Brenda Donahoe, the college’s alumni officer.

For more information, contact Danny Moore, George County alumni chapter president, 601-947-9381, or Dr. Dean Belton, 601-766-6422.