http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/news/ci_23907126/downtown-nope-just-call-it-kidstown#ixzz2cbbIZYoP

Downtown? Nope, just call it Kidstown

LEOMINSTER -- With the school year scheduled to start Aug. 28, the city is planning a final summer shindig for children to enjoy downtown Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m., with everything from a bouncy house to a mechanical bull.

"Kids Day is kind of the last hurrah before kids go back to school," said Michelle Nadeau, Mayor Dean Mazzarella's administrative assistant.

The city is shutting down Main Street from Merriam Avenue to Monument Square and West Street from Main to Church streets at 1 p.m.

Kids Day typically draws about 3,000 children.

Motorists will be able to get to the post office and will be able to navigate from Mechanic and Central streets through Monument Square using Park Street.

Organizers have lined up 40 vendors with food, games, raffles and giveaways, Nadeau said.

Dr. Todd Rowe is giving away beach balls, Mia Bella Spa is offering face painting and temporary tattoos, and Cold Stone Creamery is letting children make their own ice cream and cupcakes.

"If you have an older child they can certainly try the mechanical bull," Nadeau said.

The bull is sponsored by Rollstone Bank & Trust and will be on Main Street near the Christian Life Center.

The Fire Department will grill hot dogs and hamburgers.

The Johnny Appleseed Festival is sponsoring an inflatable slide, and the Recreation Department is sponsoring a bouncy house.

Ginny's Thrift Shop & Food Pantry is donating two 20-inch bicycles to raffle for a boy and girl. Ginny White is also scheduled to give away Beanie Babies.

Foundations such as MOMS Club of Leominster are also scheduled to set up booths.

"It's a day for kids, but its also an opportunity for parents to explore kid-friendly businesses, clubs and organizations," Nadeau said.

Kids Day helps get the word out about nonprofits, said Kiera Ciccone, president of MOMS Club.

"It's a good way to meet and greet," Ciccone said. "Obviously, there are lots of activities for the kids -- the bouncy house, face painting -- but we're there to talk to the moms, parents or whoever and share with them what we're about, what we offer as a club and what we do as a service club."

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