Patterson works for the Bethesda Urban Partnership, which is hosting the 17th annual Imagination Bethesda festival for parents and the 12-and-under crowd. The festival is Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. What is Imagination Bethesda?
Imagination Bethesda is a children’s street festival that celebrates children and the arts. The festival offers more than 25 tents of hands-on arts and crafts activities and a stage of musical performances and children’s entertainers. The festival also features face painters, balloonists, a stilt-walker, a juggling unicyclist and kid-friendly food.
Why is it good to introduce children to the arts?
The arts are fundamental to a child’s development. Children develop cognitive, language and motor skills by engaging in simple activities such as finger painting, story telling, and playing musical instruments. The arts help build imagination, develop relationships and stimulate memory.
This is the 17th year for the festival… Why is it so successful?
Downtown Bethesda has such a diverse offering of arts activities that to find a sampling of them all in one place on one day is a truly special experience. Children can create miniature costume designs, learn songs in different languages, have an imaginary tea party and create pastel drawings, while their parents can learn what classes, camps and educational programs are available to enrich their child’s education. All in a three-block radius and all for free.
I’m going to put you on the spot. Which children’s act is better, Rocknoceros or Mutts Gone Nuts?
They are so different that it’s difficult to compare. Rocknoceros is always a hit. Both kids and their parents know and love their music. They are a fun and engaging band and their music is really good. But this is the first year that the festival will feature a dog show on stage, so we are really excited to bring a new, thrilling element to the crowd. We’ll have to leave it up to the kids to decide. – Scott McCabe
