This weekend’s all about THE KIDS!

The Houma Terrebonne Civic Center will be filled with costumed characters, live animals and children on July 18 for the 16th annual Summer Fun Kids Day indoor festival. Doors will open at 10 a.m. for the six-hour event, put on by the not-for-profit Houma Terrebonne Civic Center Development Corporation.

It will be a fun-filled day, with a sampling of everything, said Scott Belanger, the sales and marketing manager of the civic center. Last year more than 4,000 people attended, and this year, he anticipates even more, all looking to enjoy the attractions and activities designed especially for children between the ages of 2 and 12.

“We try to make this event as big as possible so families will have something to do in a safe and friendly environment, in air conditioning where we don’t have to worry about the weather,” he said. “And it’s good for area businesses, because they get to let the public know what they have to offer. It’s really a ‘win-win’ for the community.”

There will be more than 50 exhibits and attractions, Berlanger said, so there will be a lot to do, even a scavenger hunt type activity for adults. “It’s very easy,” he said, “and the prize is an entry into a sweepstakes drawing for a $500 shopping spree to Southland Mall. The winner is always very happy.”

Many of the exhibitors will also offer giveaways and discounts, he said, as a reward for visitors to Kids Day.

New attractions have been added, and most activities are free with the price of admission, which is $5 for those 13 and over; and $3 for those between 1 and 12; a “great value,” according to Belanger.

One special character will be Penny the Pelican, the mascot of Synergy bank, the event’s main sponsor. The bank is bringing a money machine where children will be able to grab “penny bucks” that they can spend at “the little Penny store,” for items like coloring books, beach balls or plush versions of Penny, according to Elmy Savoie, Synergy’s marketing administrator.

Last year, the money machine was very popular, and a learning experience. “It’s a way of teaching children about money, because they can only spend what they grab,” Belanger said. Penny will also be available for free pictures, which will be professionally processed and mailed out after the fun day.

Joining Penny will be another area pelican mascot, Pierre, of the New Orleans Pelicans; and Clifford the Big Red Dog, from the popular PBS show of the same name. Police officers and firefighters will conduct activities with attendees, all the while teaching them safety interactively. Children will also learn how their families should prepare in case of a hurricane and how to keep their teeth healthy. Live animals brought by members of the local 4-H will be part of a petting zoo; and the Audubon Zoo will bring its Aqua Van. Belanger said he’s not sure what animals will come in the van, but last year the zoo presentation included a snake, an armadillo and an alligator. According to the website of the Audubon Nature Institute, Aqua Van “brings the aquarium experience featuring live aquatic or terrestrial animals and interactive hands-on displays.”

The civic center’s A and B halls will be divided into four main areas: Wellness Way, Discovery Den, Play Zone and Safety Square.

The Wellness Way area is new this year and is presented in conjunction with Terrebonne General Medical Center Healthy Lifestyles Center. Belanger said in Wellness Way, children will see displays and promotions about being healthy, including a booth showing them how to keep their teeth healthy with local orthodontist Dr. Nicole Thieler.

In the entertainment area, live performances of Beauty and the Beast Jr. and Shrek the Musical will be given by the South Terrebonne High School and the South Louisiana Center for the Arts, respectively. When there’s not a play on stage, there will be individual performances by costumed characters, like princesses; as well as fitness and martial arts demonstrations.

In Discovery Den, co-sponsored by Rouse’s Markets, there will be a petting zoo, brought in by the Terrebonne Parish 4-H. This is where children can meet Clifford, big, red and ready to pose for pictures. Clifford is being brought by Louisiana Public Broadcasting, who will also have a booth. According to Margaret Schlaudecker of LPB, Clifford is bringing free stickers and coloring books. Here children will also find an exhibit from the Bayou Country Children’s Museum and face painting.

In the Play Zone, sponsored by Raising Cane’s, older children will be able to climb a giant inflatable wall, while toddlers can find fun and games in another inflatable, called Mickey Park Learning Club. Other bouncers, all provided by Bounce ‘N’ Slide Party Rentals, include a 3D Pirate Fortress and Sugar Shack.

The Safety Square will feature the Terrebonne Office of Emergency Preparedness, which will provide information on hurricane preparation for families. Local firefighters and police officers will demonstrate safety, with the fire fighters using an inflatable firehouse that youngsters can go into and see what to do in case of a house fire.

The marketplace area will include expositions from local businesses that offer products and services for families, such as educational services like Bricks 4 Kidz, an after school and camp program based on building things with Lego’s, Belanger said. Also represented will be local party places and Pepper’s Pizza will host games.

The only outside activity, which will take place under a covered area, is a bicycle safety exhibit, being presented by the South Central Safe Community Partnership, which usually does its own Bike Rodeo, but this year is being included in the Summer Fun Day so it can reach more families. Children can bring their bicycles and helmets for a safety check, Belanger said.

Additionally, there will a video game theater, where teenagers will find age appropriate multi-player games.

“There’s only one thing we’re missing,” Belanger said, “volunteers.” For any community organization or individual looking for service projects, we need help with the inflatables and to help things move smoothly throughout the day. Interested parties should contact Belanger at the Houma Terrebonne Civic Center.

Synergy Bank will also launch its “Pack the Bus” school supply drive at the Summer Fun Kids Day, which will culminate on Aug. 1.