Channel 9 to Host Free Children's Event in Forest Park on September 14 

PBS characters come to life for one of greater St. Louis' most exciting children's events of the year. Arthur's Picnic in the Park, hosted by Channel 9 for the second year, will be held Saturday, Sept. 14 from noon to 5:00 p.m. at the golf driving range in Forest Park located at DeBaliviere Avenue and Lindell Boulevard.

Once again parents and children will have the opportunity to meet Arthur, Elmo, Cookie Monster, and other favorite PBS characters and personalities. Newer characters, like Leona from Between the Lions, will also be present as well as Clifford the Big Red Dog. Families are invited to "picnic in the park" and bring their own food or take advantage of food and beverage vendors on-site.

Last year's Arthur's Picnic in the Park drew 20,000 parents and children from the St. Louis area. Due to the overwhelming popularity of the event, Channel 9 is implementing suggestions from picnic-goers to ensure that every family will enjoy their picnic in the park. Additional safety measures, crowd control and waiting line entertainment will be provided.

In addition to visiting with their favorite public television characters, parents and children will be able to enjoy a variety of entertainment. PBS personalities Susan from Sesame Street and Mr. McFeely from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood will perform on stage as well as Piwacket Theatre for Children, which will present the classic fairy tale Jack & the Beanstalk.

Children will enjoy the ZOOM Into Action tent where they can answer whatZup questions for a chance to be featured on Channel 9 during an episode of ZOOM, a show that provides hands-on learning activities and promotes volunteerism.

Children will also be able to have fun while learning in the Reading is Fundamental tent where they will enjoy interactive storytelling and puppet and illusion shows. St. Louis City firefighters will also be on hand to give safety lessons in a fire safety house. 
Free games and entertainment such as slides, Adrenaline Rush, Moonwalk, Maggie the Worm and highstrikers, will keep parents and children amused between stage performances.

Parents may participate in a free drawing for a chance to win a trip for a family of four to Sesame Place in Philadelphia, Pa. including tickets to the Sesame Street inspired theme park and lodging provided by Adam's Mark Hotels & Resorts.

Parking is free, but not officially assigned. Parents should provide their own cameras or video equipment.

Channel 9's Arthur's Picnic in the Park is supported by McCarthy, The Little Gym, CitiMortage, and Once Upon A Child. Sesame Place passes courtesy of Anheuser-Busch Theme parks and hotel reservations courtesy of Adam's Mark Hotels & Resorts. Reading Is Fundamental is supported by Coca Cola, Inc.