The long-running tradition of inspiring future creatives kicked off Friday at the grounds of the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival. Artistic director Murray Utas calls KidsFringe “a festival within our big festival.” The space at Light Horse Park for kids aged 12 and younger, and their guardians, hosts shows, crafts, games and more for free. “We’re building future leaders; we’re building future artists,” Utas said. “But the connection of community, starting at such a young age, it makes my heart warm for the future of how we’re all going to be there together.” He continued, “There seems to be, sometimes, forces trying to push us away. I think KidsFringe is the opposite of that.” KidsFringe has been a part of the festival since the 80s and welcomes up to 3,000 people a day. It is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. until the end of the festival on Aug. 23. With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Galen McDougall
