“Are we there yet?”        

It’s the age-old question hundreds of children will ask as they head with their families to the Leeds Downtown Folk Festival and John Henry Celebration on Sept. 15 and 16. A special feature of the festival is Kids’ Korner, which will offer day-long entertainment, hands-on crafts and other amusements.  

“This is the second year we’ve offered entertainment by and for kids,” said Liz McCormick, who’s heading up Kids’ Korner arrangements. “This year, community volunteers have built a stage, and Mary Hoffman, Kids’ Korner co-chair, has donated the use of a new sound system. The stage and sound system will enhance the performance for entertainers and spectators alike.”

Entertainment will include performances by bands, singers, musical groups, dancers and even the Bama Air Dogs, a flipping, flying canine team that’s fantastic with Frisbees.     

McCormick has scoured the state for talent and found a diverse group of performers. Among them are sisters Ashley and Alycen Johnson from Odenville, who play softball with the Birmingham

Vipers. The girls pitch and catch softballs at 60-63 miles per hour and are coached by Leeds resident Rod Dickerson.

Among other youngsters who excel at what they do is 13-year-old singer Jameson Willis of Pell City. “Singing is his passion, and he’s participated in the festival for several years,” said his mother, April Willis. “This is one way he gives back to the area we live in. And audience feedback helps him develop his singing.”

In addition to onstage entertainment, Kids’ Korner visitors can leave the area with a variety of souvenirs they’ve made themselves with the help of volunteer vendors. “The children love working with crafts, and we’ve been fortunate to book volunteers that supply not only know-how, but generously provide materials,” McCormick said.  “Last year, Elinor and Winfield Burks helped 230 children make wooden whistles.  And this year, they’re prepared for even more.” Another activity — helping kids make herb planters from plastic bottles – will be donated by Green Up Garden’s Lisa Herren.

Becky “Giggles” Hunt and Rita “Plum Cute” Case, both of Leeds, are graduates of Magic City Clown School. They will work the Kids’ Korner crowd Sunday afternoon, passing out balloon creatures and hats. “Being a clown is like having another family member,” Hunt said. “Your character has to have a place for clothes, shoes and make-up, plus props and educational material.”

In addition to entertainment and vendors, there’ll be some personalities roving the children’s corner.  Sparky, the fire department mascot, and Frankie, an 85-pound Sulcata African land tortoise, will be available for photos.