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Posted on Wed, Sep 15, 2010 : 12:06 a.m.

Free kids activities galore at Saline Harvest of the Arts

By April Scarlett

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There are a lot of things I absolutely love about fall. As Winnie The Pooh says, "it's time for hot choclatey mornings and toasted marshmallow evenings!" It is, by far, my favorite season with football games, sweatshirt weather, apple cider, and burning leaves. The kids are back to school, and coffee seems to be even more delicious if I'm drinking it in the cool of the morning.

There is one event, however, that seems to really kick off the season and welcome us all to the amber delights which fall brings. Every year it gets bigger and better. It is the Saline Harvest of the Arts Oktoberfest in Downtown Saline, to be held this year on Sept. 25.

This year's festival has all that you would expect, featuring fine artists booths to shop, great food, terrific music to dance to, a 5K/10K Volksmarch and, of course, a true Oktoberfest Bier Garten. But what I and my family are really excited about are all the activities available for kids. The HOA team has really outdone themselves when it comes to providing entertainment and activities for the younger set. And did I mention? It's free!

Welcome to Bakers Nook Kinderplatz! There will be a petting zoo, pony rides, inflatable bouncers from the Saline Recreation Center and 12 different stations hosted by schools, churches and businesses to offer up to the kiddos. In addition to all of that, the Scrapbox folks will be on hand for a make-and-take art area for all budding artists. If your family enjoys puppet shows (and whose doesn't?), the Bixby Puppetry Festival will be underway with live shows and kids workshops. And, there is a Frauelein coloring contest. Download the coloring page here, and turn into the offices of Saline Community Education by September 22nd. Whew! That is a ton of free activities for kids at one event!

Truly, the evening hours will fall to the adults and their merriment, but this year's Harvest of the Arts Oktoberfest is definitely an event for the entire family. Mark your calendars everyone -- this is one September celebration you don't want to miss!

April Scarlett is a freelance writer. Follow her on Twitter @ajscarlett or link to all her work on Facebook at ASW-April Scarlett Writes. Watch for her new sports show coming soon to A2YP.TV.