WAYNESBORO– Hundreds of children and families gathered Sunday afternoon at Pine Hill Recreation Area for the 36th annual Youth Festival, an event dedicated to encouraging kids to play outside and explore nature.
The festival, held from 1 to 5 p.m., offered free admission and featured a variety of activities, including guided hikes, a story walk, hands-on workshops and interactive stations. Organizers said the event aimed to foster a love of the outdoors and provide a safe, engaging space for children to learn and play.
Bright Star Touring Theatre headlined the entertainment with its “Bluegrass & Tall Tales” show from 2 to 3 p.m. The performance took audiences on a musical journey across America, blending bluegrass classics with lively retellings of American tall tales. Children and adults tapped their toes to songs like “In the Pines” and laughed along with stories featuring Paul Bunyan and Appalachian folklore characters.
Later in the afternoon, the Waynesboro Children’s Theater Troupe took the stage for “Summer Selects,” a showcase of youth talent that ran from 4 to 4:45 p.m.
Throughout the day, families visited various partner stations and exhibits, enjoying demonstrations and creative activities. Organizers called Youth Fest “the best-kept fun secret in Waynesboro,” emphasizing its commitment to providing a full day of free entertainment and learning opportunities for the community.
The event was scheduled to move to an indoor location in case of rain, but Sunday’s weather allowed all festivities to take place outdoors as planned.
