TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – The Topeka Children’s Fest got off to a roaring start Saturday afternoon.
“Turnout has been great, you know, the weather is cooperating with us,” said Jerry Hudgins, the CEO and Founder of Sole Reason. “We’re a little worried with that at first, but the weather has cooperated. It’s actually a little bit warmer than we thought and everybody’s happy having a great time today, lots of good performances and lots of good things going on.”
The event brought families across Topeka together for a good time, with mascots and plenty of activities.
“It’s important because, it’s just to make people happy, make their day. You know, it would be good to just see somebody smile every day, you know,” said one young volunteer.
Performances brought the event to life with the Topeka High Marching Band playing and so much more. Performers felt grateful to attend.
“(It feels) really amazing, I’m not going to lie. It kind of feels warm in a way,” said Bex Fischer, a dancer and performer at the event.
Another dancer named Araya Harness said, “Even though it’s cold, it’s nice to bring anything in the community together, like seeing everybody here selling stuff and just having a good time, because Topeka struggles with a lot of stuff. And so it’s especially good to see the kids out here having fun, and thatwe can all come together to have a good day.”
The Topeka children’s festival was hosted by Sole Reason and One Can One Kid. Sole Reason wants to recycle shoes to buy new shoes for children, so kids can have a new lease on life.
“A new pair of sneakers is a basic, essential need for any kid pretty much, because it gives kids a sense of purpose. It gives them a sense of belongingness and …. That keeps them getting bullied and it helps them to be to feel a general, overall wellness. It helps them with their grades,” said Hudgins.
The festival also promoted local businesses.
“So this event also it’s not only about Sole Reason, but it’s also about all the vendors that are around me today. You know there’s different food truck options, different face painters, different craft vendors just so it’s not only helping sole reason, but it’s also helping the speaker community out,” said Taylor Prior, a board member of Sole Reason.
You can check out Sole Reason here.
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