Kid News

I have a million nicknames for my wee daughter Kathleen but the one that always makes her giggle is Katy-Potaty. So this news from our chronologically-challenged compatriots at the Kansas City Irish Fest Children's Area is especially exciting for Katy-Potaty and me:

The theme for the KCIF Childrens Area for 2012 is "The Potato".

In the view of the KCIF Kid's Club, the Potato represents the stamina, and the resilience of a nation as the people of Ireland faced what was known as the Gorta Mór (the Great Hunger).

Many of Irish descent are in America, as a result of the potato famine, which saw about 25% of the Irish people leaving their home in pursuit of new ones. Again, the Irish that left Ireland, had to show their courage and tenacity to succeed in their new chosen homes, often facing difficulties like prejudices and starting their new lives in extreme poverty.

What binds all of us together? Thomas Davis says it best with, "It is not blood that makes you Irish but a willingness to be part of the Irish Nation."

That Irish Nation now stretches around the world as a people who are generally described as talkative, inquisitive about people and places, helpful, open, good company, interested in sport, with a love of all stories.

As the Irish Fest celebrates our 10th Anniversary, the Kid's Club in recognition of one important Irish trait, is sponsoring an Irish storytelling contest this year, about what it means to be Irish or what it mean to be "YOU".

Contest is open to all Irish Fest Kids up to 16 years old. We will have age group brackets for the contest as follows:

2-5 years

6-8 years

9- 12 years

13-16 years

Information to include:

Name

Address

Age

Email or Phone Number

Please send your entries to Kansas City Kid's Club

7605 Bradshaw St

Shawnee, Ks 66216

Email: kcifchildrens@everestkc.net

Entries must be received by July 15, 2012. Teachers, classrooms are encouraged to participate.

Winners will be announced at Irish Fest 2012 with wonderful prizes.