Blog: City Blog

Week 2: Parents Give Thumbs Up to Kid A' Riffic

On the second week of Kid A’ Riffic, the excitement was coming from all angles. Children were making lifelong memories, and the event touched the hearts of visitors from as far away as Brazil.

Last week, Knoxville Police Officer Anita Watson spread the word about the department's literacy program. And in the tent next door, the method of educating while entertaining children continues.

Anne Victoria, a representative of Knoxville Area Transit (KAT), said the activities at her booth are all about riding the bus.

KAT bus map

“For example, the children are coloring a bus, which results in drawings. There are bookmarks the kids can color with the KAT crayons. We distribute bookmarks that are more glossy, and they have information on all the different bus books at the library, and the other side which shows how to get to all the different libraries with the bus. There is a maze where the bus takes kids to the library and once upon arrival there is an official trophy in a form of a sticker. This is a marvelous initiative to boost their confidence and abilities to perform such an activity."

Victoria also touts the new Books on Buses program, which stocks city buses and trolleys with books of all kinds for readers of all ages and abilities.

A visitor from the shores of Brazil said: “This event is extremely fun for the kids, and it is also a good time to interact with my sister since I came to visit her.”

Rochelle, a mother of two in the Knoxville area, said, “It is nice to see the community doing events like this one for the children. My children enjoy the water, coloring books and playing hockey. I really appreciate it.”
Victoria Gideon, a new resident from Texas and grandmother looking for amusement for her grandchildren, said, "Having nine grandchildren, I am always looking for something to do with them, and I searched the City of Knoxville for activities, and Kid A’ Riffic pulled up. The kids love and enjoy each and every minute of it."

Gideon encourages organizers to extend the event series beyond summer.

“I believe that even when school starts it will be a good initiative to keep this event ongoing after school," she said. "I’d bring them up here every day.”

Kid A' Riffic Fun in the Square events are introducing the city to new residents, and the positive reviews can be seen in the parents' smiles.

-- submitted by Summer in the City intern Annie Ankamah-Asamoah

Posted by ptravis On 16 July, 2019 at 5:50 PM