Some of public television’s most popular characters will welcome families to downtown Buffalo during the second annual WNED Kid Fest. This engaging, high-energy weekend event takes place in the WNED Studios (next to the Adam’s Mark Hotel) on February 2 (noon - 5 pm) and February 3 (noon - 4 pm). All proceeds benefit WNED-TV, AM, FM and ThinkBright TV.

“We take pride in bringing quality children’s television to our viewing public,” said Donald K. Boswell, WNED’s President and CEO. “Kid Fest extends the programs’ concept of fun learning experiences to a hands-on, face-to-face community celebration. It’s a unique, affordable event geared to our youngest viewers.”

With 2,300 people attending last year’s inaugural event, Kid Fest is on track to become a popular new mid-winter tradition in Western New York. “This year, our focus is on literacy and making reading fun, but Kid Fest 2008 will also feature activities that teach kids about exercising, science, math and more,” said Event Manager Mindy Fox.

Highlights include:

• Personal appearances by Super Why; his fellow “Super Reader,” Princess Presto, and the 10-year-old stars of Maya & Miguel.
• “Calling all Super Readers,” a reading adventure with Super Why.
• Various other stage shows, including Matt’s Music for Kids.
• ThinkBright Raising Readers Activity Zone, featuring games and crafts.
• Kid Vision 2008 – view yourself on screen with PBS characters.
• Barnes & Noble Thinkfun Math Lab, with entertaining math games.
• Tiny Talons (birds of prey) with Hawk Creek Wildlife Center.
• Parachute Time with Gymboree and Yoga for Kids by Buffalo Yoga.

Each family will receive a free goody bag. The event also will offer raffles, prizes, low-cost snacks, and PBS Kids merchandise for sale.

Kid Fest tickets cost $20 for a Family Four Pass (two adults/two children); $10 for a Family Two Pass (one adult/one child); single tickets cost $8 per adult and $5 per child ages 1-12 (under 1 free). Parking is free.

In addition, a Character Breakfast will take place at the Pearl Street Grill, 76 Pearl St., in downtown Buffalo on Feb. 2 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Young fans can hob nob and dine with the PBS characters as well as Sabretooth and other local mascots. The cost [$20 per adult and $15 per child ages 1-12 (under 1 free)] includes a full buffet breakfast and an exclusive Kid Fest preview (from 10:30 a.m. to noon) at the nearby WNED Studios, with all festival attractions.

For tickets (available Jan. 2, 2008) and information, call (716) 845-7000 or visit wned.org. Also visit the Web site to download a picture for the Super Why coloring contest.

“Because of their ability to achieve learning outcomes through engaging content, PBS KIDS’ programs consistently earn the endorsement of parents, children, industry leaders and teachers,” said Sylvia Bennett, WNED’s vice president of development. “Please join in this wonderful opportunity to experience live the excitement of some the best children’s shows on television. I know Super Why, Princess Presto and Maya & Miguel are excited to be visiting Buffalo and meeting some of their favorite fans.”

The WNED Kid Fest is sponsored by media partner Western New York Family Magazine and community partners Pearl Street Grill, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Gymboree, Literacy Volunteers of Buffalo and Erie County, Hawk Creek Wildlife Center and Buffalo Yoga.

Through WNED-TV, ThinkBright TV, Classical 94.5/WNED-FM and WNED-AM 970 The Information Station, the member-supported Western New York Public Broadcasting Association provides high quality programming and services that enlighten, inspire, entertain and educate our communities.