Festival of Children kicks off at South Coast Plaza

The Carousel Court area at South Coast Plaza looked like a circus Saturday afternoon. The merry-go-round spun, a dog performed tricks, and young children roamed around with their faces painted as Spider-Man, Hello Kitty and other cartoon favorites.

It was the first day of the sixth annual Festival of Children, a monthlong celebration that showcases more than 60 children’s charities. As nonprofit groups set up booths in the surrounding area, kids got an opportunity to relish being kids — and to come away with a few prized mementos. Among the new arrivals this year was skateboard manufacturer Paul Schmitt, founder of the educational program Create A Skate, who led a board-building workshop Saturday and plans to have another today.

“It’s an amazing thing as far as bringing awareness to charity groups that support children,” Schmitt said about the festival.

Every Saturday and Sunday through Sept. 30, the Festival of Children will feature storytelling, arts and crafts, live performances, and other activities for children and families from noon to 4:30 p.m. Visit www.festivalofchildren.org for a schedule of events.

— Michael Miller