Caribbean Events Group (CEG) will host 'Christmas Kiddiefest' on Boxing Day at Hope Gardens. An exclusive event for children 12 and under, CEG has promised a full day of great children's entertainment.

Tickets cost $300 for adults and $200 for children and are available pre-sold at Monarch Pharmacies, Portmore Mall Pharmacy, Turo's Pizza and Kingston Bookstore locations.

Parents and their children descended in droves on Devon House last Sunday for the festival launch. Free tickets, free rides and giveaways dominated the two-hour event that featured family-style competitions for attendees.

Major rides

Deborah Cunning, event manager of CEG, outlined to the media the planned activities and event logistics. Approximately 25 categories of major rides and games will be spread around the spacious venue. The 'Kiddiefest' jonkanoo lounge for older children and the little elves playground for toddlers will ensure that kids can safely participate in age-appropriate rides and games.

Attractions include Rudolph's donkey rides, the Santa express land train, clowns and face painting, Eon and Robby, the AV Concepts movie room, zoo visits and live candy making plus lots of competitions and giveaways from the main stage. Organisations PALS, Parents for Inner-City Kids and RISE are confirmed participants on the festival's grand market pavilion, presenting toys, craft, food and other items for sale.

Pedestrian traffic will use Hope Garden's main entrance and venue parking is accessible via Hope Pastures. The JUTC will expand their bus schedule to accommodate the anticipated festival crowds, while On Time Taxi will be dispatching from the festival and offering special travel services.

Responsible adult

Parents are being asked to ensure all children are accompanied by a responsible adult.

Christmas Kiddiefest is sponsored by TVJ, Minute Maid, BCNS Printers, Welch's Juices, Caribbean Retail Networks and other partners. Gate prizes include a family vacation at FDR Pebbles and a Family VIP Day at Cool Runnings Water Park.

Kiddiefest is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with gates opening at 9.30 a.m.