FARMINGTON – Parking spaces were a hot commodity on Saturday as more than 1,500 children and adults participated in numerous fun activities at the 24th annual Children’s Festival at the University of Maine at Farmington.

During the first 60 minutes of the four-hour Franklin County Children’s Task Force event, hundreds entered the Olsen Student Center, and immediately opened eyes wide in amazement at the sight of Jim Parker dressed as a wizard, complete with a live barred owl held in his glove atop a large decorated staff.

Parker, who runs the Aerie East Environmental Education Programs and Foundation in Farmington, both entertained and educated adults and children about owl ecology while wandering the halls. He was a huge hit, task force Director Dee Trahan said.

Eight-year-old Cody Steward of Rangeley agreed. He was one of several spellbound youngsters who talked with Parker at length about the owl.

“We just got done studying owls, and now we’re on penguins,” Steward said, standing beside smiling mom, Wendy Steward.

Among the activities and hands-on, make-and-take project stations, were, a jump-and-tumble room on gym mats; a karaoke booth; planting seeds with Head Start; stamp collecting with the U.S. Postal Service; creepy, crawly critter collages with Everyone’s Resource Depot; 3-D snowflake, necklace, masks and visor crafts; and Healthy Community Coalition people dressed as fruits and vegetables who interacted with children.

Farmington firefighters also explained their gear, which was spread across two long tables in one large room, and donned air gear to show children what they’d look like if they entered a house that was on fire.

“It’s so kids don’t get scared,” probationary firefighter Kyle Baker of Farmington said after crawling under a table into a group of kids while talking through his air mask.

Trahan said people came from all over Maine, and from as far away as Massachusetts and Rhode Island, just to participate.

“It’s a good way to spend the day as a family and celebrate children,” she added.

Near the food court, the Cenedl Celtic Rock Band performed on stage, their music mingling with a cacophony of excited children’s voices and laughter.

It was one big party, complete with ice cream, pizza, cookies, popcorn, balloons, board games, and more.

Cindy Brophy of Industry brought her 20-month-old granddaughter Jayce Brophy of Sidney, who seemed more interested in eating pizza crust than the musicians.

“I came to this years ago when my kids were younger,” Cindy Brophy said. On Saturday, she came to listen to the variety of music and support the task force. “Jayce likes, mainly, the other children and balloons, and just to socialize a bit.”

Wendy Marot of Warwick, R.I., and Kim Turner of North Kingston, R.I., said they brought their children up to find some snow in which to play. Attending the Children’s Festival was an added attraction.

Their young children, Cody and Connor Marot, and Keegan Turner, also enjoyed percussion activities using a variety of household items at Lisl Fuson’s station.

Fran Patterson of Stratton brought her daughter, Paula Stevens, and grandson, Reed Stevens, 6, also of Stratton, who loves crafts, his mom said.

“We came last year and he loved it so much, he wanted to come back,” Patterson said while watching the pair make 3-D snowflakes. “He will go from table to table and do everything.”

And that’s what it’s all about, Trahan said.

“This is a celebration for children, and about keeping them protected and happy, while nurturing families. I’m very proud to be a part of it,” she added.

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