Festival wrapping it up

Marisa O’Neil

The monthlong Festival of Children wraps up this weekend with

appearances by the Powerpuff Girls and Courage the Cowardly Dog, as

well as a musical performance from 7-year-old savant Kodi Lee.

Kodi, who sings and plays piano, has limited vision and was

diagnosed with autism at 4 years old. His parents recently discovered

Kodi’s love and ability for music, which put him in a class of about

25 living savants with outstanding artistic abilities.

“He was practicing yesterday with performers from the Orange

County High School for the Arts, and these musically talented kids

were just blown away by this little boy,” event planner Cherie

Rolapp-Khan said.

Festival organizers also named Kodi as the Ambassador for the

Festival of Children. Rolapp-Khan said that he will perform Sunday at

3:30 p.m. and throughout the year at related events.

“We think he represents kids who overcome challenges and can be

all they can be,” she said.

On Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the festival will premiere new

cartoons at the “Hullabaloo Screening Party” with the Powerpuff Girls

and Courage the Cowardly Dog.

The rest of the weekend’s events include Mighty Ducks hockey

clinics, crafts and musical performances.

The Festival of Children runs from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and

Sunday at South Coast Plaza. For more information, call (714)

546-0110 or go to https://www.festivalofchildren.org.