Written by Tyler Spivey

Kids and adults will have the opportunity to meet some of their favorite animated characters this summer – including Spiderman and Dora the Explorer.

The opportunity comes as part of the Kids and Characters Summer Festival hosted by the Pike Regional Children’s Advocacy Center.

“Basically it’s going to be a festival for the kids to have fun before they go back to school.” said Camille Downing, CAC director.

The event is being held as a fund-raiser hosted with all the money made going to victims of child abuse and neglect.

Meredith’s Miracles also teamed up with the CAC to help with the fund-raiser, Meredith’s Miracles is a nonprofit organization that assists families in crisis that might need help with medical expenses.

The participants will have to chance to interact with such characters as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, SpongeBob SquarePants, Bell, Elmo and others.

Photos with the characters will be allowed, concessions will be on site and there will be games and activities.

Various souvenirs from the day will be also sold for additional donations.

According to Downing, there are more than just kids who are looking forward to the festival.

“We have some adults that are excited about the event as well,” She said, noting that there are already about 20-30 volunteers.

“We just need as many people as possible to come out and join the fun to help the Child Advocacy Center,” said Volunteer Courtney Hilburn who is helping to plan the event.

The CAC is also seeking sponsors for the event to help with expenses; sponsorships are $100 for anyone who may be interested and those who are interested can even sponsor their favorite animated character at the festival.

The festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Troy Recreation Complex on Aug. 11. Admission is $5 per person and free for children under the age of one.