Kids Fest 2008 comes to the Marion Southland Mall this Saturday, from 10-5 PM. Included in the 9th year of the event will be several inflatable attractions, kids karoeke, Hannah Montana look-a-like contest, video games, and much more. It's all free.

At mid court will be an inflatable hockey shoot donated by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Kids will be able to test their skills on the oversized ice rink without having to worry about the temperature.

Near Rex Television, kids will find two more inflatable attractions, thanks to Streetwise Motors.

A giant moonwalk featuring Spiderman will allow kids to bounce away their energy.

For the slightly older kids, perhaps basketball would be more appropriate.

Two kids compete to dunk a basketball in oversized hoops, all the while tugging against a bungee cord.

The Marion Recreation Department will have assorted games revolving around their developing fishing program.

Kids will be able to play party-favorite Dance, Dance Revolution at the YMCA’s Booth.

Also added this year will be Mr. Ego’s video games inside the Community Room of the Southland Mall. 4 televisions will be set up with Xbox 360’s while a projector will allow kids to play a Nintendo Wii.

Several costume characters will be roaming the Mall throughout the day.

Everyone’s favorite fast food clown Ronald McDonald will be making a special appearance from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM. Kids can say “hello” and have their pictures taken with him.

Marion County Children’s Services will also bring Ted D. Bear out to the mall throughout the day.

Joining those two will be the Marion Mayhem mascot Hardy, who will join the Mayhem’s Divas for pictures and autographs.

Children attending the event will be given the opportunity to win several great prizes in a variety of events.

Girls who think they look like pop princess Hannah Montana will strut their stuff on the entertainment stage at 11:30 AM. WDCM’s H-Zone will present the best look-a-like with a gift certificate to Wal-Mart.

At 2 PM on the stage, Chuck Gregory will host Kids Karaoke. The contest is open to 30 children singing one-minute versions of their favorite songs. The winner will get to record four songs with Jester Court Recording Studio, have them professionally mixed, and receive 6 copies of their CD for family and friends. Signups for both events will be at the WDCM booth, located in front of the stage. If more than 30 kids sign up for the Kids Karaoke event, participants will be randomly selected.

Throughout the day, kids will be able to take part in the Passport To Fun. Simply pick up a game card at WDCM’s booth and visit all ten places. Once you complete your card, return it and be entered into a drawing for a family pass to Lincoln Park Pool.

Throughout the day, Sean DeWitt will be giving away prizes from the stage.

This annual event is made possible through the support of Marion County Children Services, Modern Woodmen of America, and Tri Rivers, along with over 25 booths from various agencies and businesses in the Marion area.