Entertainment for All At the 30th Ottawa International Children’s Festival

Kids of all ages were entertained and amazed by the 30th Ottawa International Children’s Festival (OICF)! Each year this festival puts together a list of performers that make all who attended their shows wonder and delight in the spectacle they had just witnessed. The performances and attractions my daughter and I saw during this year’s visit lived up to our expectations of this festival. The OICF was held at LeBreton Flats and the Canadian War Museum.

When we arrived for our evening of amusement, we journeyed inside of Pentalum Luminarium. It is a structure created by Architects of Air (UK) for visitors to explore and marvel at as they make their way through the winding tunnels and domes.

Once my eldest and I ventured inside, we were instantly amazed by the different coloured areas of this inflatable structure. I was instantly in a state of wonder and relaxation as we traveled through each chamber. I loved that we had to leave our shoes outside of the exhibition. It added to the serene atmosphere around you. There were many dark alcoves where you could just sit back and relax for a bit. Other areas were bright and beautiful to behold. We really enjoyed our time inside the Pentalum Luminarium.

We then ventured into the Canadian War Museum to get transported into the dark side of fairytales as we attended a performance of Hansel and Gretel by Gruppe 38, (DEN) in the Barney Danson Theatre.  It was a fascination rendition of this classic tale from The Brothers Grimm of two children becoming abandoned by their parents the captured by an evil witch. With the assistance of an amusing onstage musician, a narrator brings magic, suspense and laughter to this tale with the use of light and projection. We really enjoyed how this group used the intimate space very well to convey this story to the audience. The narrator did an excellent job at putting us in the world of Hansel and Gretel to allow us to get a sense of what they were feeling and what was happening as the tale unfolded around us.

The final performance we saw was Les Parfaits Inconnus (QC, CAN) in the Circus Tent. Before the performance, Katherine Dines opened the show by presenting Mayor Jim Watson, and the key members of the OICF who make each year’s festival a reality.  Mayor Watson then presented Catherine O’Grady with an award for the 30^th anniversary of the OICF, thanking her and her team for their hard work in putting this amazing festival year after year.

It was a performance filled with laughter and amusement as Les Parfaits Inconnus took to the stage. They wowed audiences as they juggled, balanced, flipped through the air and conjured illusions before our eyes. They also played music while performing some of these feats, showcasing their talents and comedic abilities even more. My eldest and I kept looking at each other, wondering how they were able to do all of the feats they did during their performance. It truly was a great show to attend!

The audience was then invited to attend a celebration for the OICF’s 30^th anniversary. There were wonderful plates of food for guests to enjoy! There was something for everyone to sample and enjoy. There were also beautifully arranged snack cups for nibble on. These were fantastic! Water, various drinks, and alcoholic beverages for adults to drink were served as well. Catherine O’Grady then cut the OICF cakes so guests could share in the celebration.

This was another thrilling visit to the Ottawa International Children’s Festival! The performances were spectacular, Pentalum Luminarium a new experience which added to the fun of the day, and we were thankful to be a part of the celebration for the anniversary of this unique festival. It was sad to leave, as we wanted to chat with other guests and see more of the performances we viewed. I am extremely curious as to how the OICF will top this year’s list of performances next year!

Having Fun While Helping Children at the 2014 Ottawa Gala – Spies and Dolls!

Hey Readers!

Have you ever wondered what it would like to be spy or a secret agent? Do you like getting dressed up for an evening of fun, entertainment and raising money for a good cause? Well then, if you’re going to be in the Ottawa area on April 26th, get your outfit in order for the 2014 Ottawa Gala – Spies and Dolls at the Canadian War Museum from 8 PM – 11PM!

 

What is the Ottawa Gala?
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Ottawa Gala, I’ll tell you all about it. The Ottawa Gala is an annual event put on by the Fund for a New Generation (FNG) in order to raise money for youth initiatives in the city of Ottawa. So far, FNG has raised over $700 000 since its inception in 1993. The event is put together by young professionals who are apart of Ottawa’s private, public and universities sectors that are dedicated to raising funds for various organizations around Ottawa.

What Makes This Event So Special?
I became a supporter of FNG after finding out about the different organizations they have supported across the city of Ottawa. FNG supports organizations for younger and older children. The groups FNG supports each year changes, too, so many more children in Ottawa are helped.

The group that FNG assists that influenced me to want to get involved and help raise money for FNG was the Ottawa School Breakfast Program. Not only does this group help children who need breakfast have one before they start their school day, but it is available at all levels of schools around Ottawa, so younger and older children benefit from the support the Ottawa School Breakfast Program provides. Since I know some of the children who use this program, I felt that I should help to try to do my part to help this program give to the children it supports.

Click here to listen to this year’s Co-Presidents, Angela Kemp and Fahim Rahim, speaking to Hot 89.9 about how great this event is!

How Can You Show Your Support to the Ottawa Gala?
The best way to support FNG would be to attend this year’s Gala on April 26, 2014! This is the 21st year that the Gala has been put together to raise funds for youth initiatives in Ottawa. This year’s theme is Spies and Dolls. Pull out your suit, trench coat, dress, or hat and spend a fabulous evening filled with entertainment provided by Hot 89.9, DJ ACRO and the Hornettes, a silent auction, and prize envelopes you can purchase to raise more money for children in Ottawa! You’ll have fun dancing, meeting new people, and helping children across Ottawa. (This is a 19+ event, for those inquiring minds).

There are two sets of ticket prices for this year’s event:
General Admission – $65
This ticket allows you into the event, to explore different rooms set up for dancing and entertainment and a lot of fun!

VIP Admission – $115
This ticket grants you exclusive access between 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM to enjoy a complementary bar, upgraded catering and a separate entertaining area from those in the General Admission area!

Below are some photos, courtesy of the Ottawa Gala, of all of the fun had at last year’s event, The Roaring 20’s, to celebrate the 20th year the Gala has been one of Ottawa’s ultimate go-to events!

 

 

 

 

So, if you want to have a good time this weekend, get all dolled up, and raise money for children in the city of Ottawa, why not attend the Ottawa Gala! I hope to see you there!

 

I have not been compensated in any way to write this post. I have had a hand in helping to plan this year’s event, and all of my opinions are honest and my own.