May 1, 2002

Herald photos by Garret Leiva
Magician and musician Lee Malone plays the “Blues Brothers” theme song on lead saxophone while accompanied by a group of young volunteers Saturday during the 2002 Celebration for Young Children held in downtown Traverse City.



Magic and music help celebrate young children

   Magic, music and animals were all part of the Celebration for Young Children held Saturday in downtown Traverse City.

   An annual spring event, this year’s Celebration for Young Children featured a variety of entertainment, hands-on activities and demonstrations. The event was sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Traverse City, Grand Traverse Association for the Education of Young Children, Downtown Traverse City Association and Northern Michigan’s Fox 33.

   A crowd of children packed Horizon Books for demonstrations by raptor rehabilitator Rebecca Lessard, the Traverse City Youth Ballet Company and Traverse City Children and Teen Theatre. Magician Lee Malone provided slight of hand entertainment, while Patrick Niemisto played family music.

   Other activities included free admission to Clinch Park Zoo and Great Lakes Children’s Museum. Gourdie Fraser Associates opened up their doors for a Hands On Center with music and make and take crafts. Several downtown stores also scheduled special kids activities throughout the day.




Children and their parents prepare for a chilly ride down Front Street courtesy of a vintage fire engine provided by the Traverse City Fire Department.




Skylar Gleason, 5, of Lake Ann prepares to be fingerprinted by Traverse City police officer Matt Morton. The identification cards can be given to police in an emergency situation.




Raptor rehabilitator Rebecca Lessard and her kestrel falcon, Ruby demonstrate all manner of birds of prey, including hawks, owls, eagles and vultures to children gathered at Horizon Books.




Rori Richardson, 21 months old, of Traverse City traces around her hand using crayons at a Hands On Art Center provided by Gourdie Fraser Associates. The Hands On Art Center also included information tables sponsored by Grand Traverse Association for the Education of Young Children, Child Guidance Center, Child Care Connection, Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program, Traverse City Area Public Schools, Interlochen Pathfinder School and Target.




Whether sliding down from the clouds, sitting inside a lighthouse or splashing at the water table, the Great Lakes Children’s Museum provided plenty of hands-on activities. As part of the Celebration for Young Children, Meijer of Traverse City sponsored free admission for museum visitors.