FARMINGTON — The 35th annual Children’s Festival on Saturday went “fabulously,” Franklin County Children’s Task Force office manager Milissa Cousins said.

Held inside Mt. Blue High School, it was an effort by the organization to “get people out of their house in the winter,” Cousins said.

Inside the gymnasium, educational and activity booths lined the walls, and in the middle was a giant mat area for children to shake their sillies out and forget about the cold outside. In the halls, people made balloon animals, decorated cookies and ate ice cream.

Cathryn Greenleaf, 7, of Jay was excited to have an emoji painted on her face by by UMF student Flynn Chiappetta.

“You’re going to look like you came right out of a cellphone,” Chiappetta said as she she covered the girl’s face with yellow paint.

Cass Lamoureux of New Sharon attended the festival for the first time with Jameson Ryder of Wilton, and brought along Lily Ryder, 6, Hannah Ryder, 5, and Brianna Lamoureux, 5.

“I’m really excited to be here,” Lamoureux said. “It’s been quite fun and keeps you on your toes with everything that’s going on. The food is cheap and yummy, and there’s lots of room.”

Lamoureux said she “definitely” plans to come back next year.

The Franklin County Children’s Task Force offers social services, including parental classes, professional trainings, and school-based prevention programs.

emarquis@sunmediagroup.net

Ty Nichols of Farmington hands a balloon animal he made to Jessica Rollins of Farmington and Christopher Rollins, 4, at the 35th annual Children’s Festival at Mt. Blue High School in Farmington on Saturday. (Liz Marquis/Sun Journal)

University of Maine at Farmington student Flynn Chiappetta paints the face of Cathryn Greenleaf, 7, of Jay, at the 35th annual Children’s Festival on Saturday at Mt. Blue High School in Farmington. (Liz Marquis/Sun Journal)

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