They played, they frolicked, they spun around in white foam.
They played, they frolicked, they spun around in white foam.
A two-meter-tall "flower" briskly chases after toddlers scattering away, young artists instantly adorn the asphalt with colourful drawings, and girls in ball gowns precisely calculate the steps of a waltz… The town square is hosting a "Inseparable Friends" Children's Festival.
An improvised "City of Masters"
Where to head first? The choices are overwhelming… The first to catch the eye are the craftswomen. Let's find out what masterclasses they are offering the children. Lyudmila Kuntsevich, a teacher from the "Magic World" soft toy and souvenir club at the RDC, is teaching how to weave a napkin-cape. Her student, Anastasia Kuzmicheonok, talks about her embroidery displayed on the table: for example, she spent six months creating a fawn. Elena Lebedeva, head of the "Handicrafts" interest group at the RCDT, demonstrates the Italian technique of quilling leaves in front of the children. The working principle is clear: now the girls are taking up the threads. Little fashionistas are looking with interest at "Tinsel" yarn. No wonder! The teacher shows what kind of brooch can be made from it for a hair hoop. Nearby, Marina Arteeva, head of the "Eco-Art" interest group at the RCDT, is raffling off baskets and flowers woven from newspapers. Modular origami, rope weaving, spiral technique – there are many variations of crafts made from ordinary paper, it turns out. Next to the finished works on the table are newspaper twists: those who wish can practice this art. Masters from the House of Crafts, Tatyana Razmyslovich and Natalya Petukhova, are teaching children how to make a traditional doll and weave a belt.
Drawings on the Asphalt
While I was admiring the handicrafts, two charming clowns – employees of the RCDT, Elena Makarenko and Zhanna Kuzina – had already gathered quite a few children near the stage. Boris Efremov, the Chairman of the District Executive Committee, warmly congratulated the children on the holiday. He wishes the restless youngsters sunny moods and to read the assigned stacks of books. And the fun continues. The pupils of the center are showcasing their talents with lively songs and rhythmic dances. The brass band of the Zaslonovo military garrison is also playing for the children.
Leaving the central area for a moment, let's see what other entertainment is on offer for the children. Fourth-grader Anya Lyakh and second-grader Katya Ragutskaya are carefully drawing yellow and pink flowers on the asphalt with chalk. The final touches are being added by Anastasia Tereshkova and Angelina Teplova, pupils of the "Bright Colours" studio at the RCDM. Anastasia persuaded her friend to draw a ballerina standing on her toes, as this is one of the young artist's favourite themes.
And here's a queue of boys: Valery Leshchenok, senior state traffic inspector of the traffic police department of the ROVD, is challenging them to ride a bicycle through an obstacle course. No one leaves without a prize: the best receive chocolate bars and wafer bars. Valery Valerievich himself gives rides on a bicycle to the youngest children. Senior traffic inspector Igor Zenovich not only introduces the children to speed detection devices but also allows them to "steer" on the spot and take photos in a traffic police patrol car.
A little further away, sixth-grader Alexey Kablukov is trying on a helmet and body armour. "Is it heavy?" I ask about his impressions. Smiling, the boy shakes his head negatively. "The body armour weighs about three kilograms," clarifies precinct police inspector Ivan Azarenok. He demonstrates the main means of defence and detention: batons, handcuffs, a shield, and a helmet. The expert's briefcase attracts particular interest.
And summer... "snow"
At the other end of the square, rescuers are demonstrating their equipment. Tanker trucks, motor pumps, hydraulic tools, diving equipment... Under adult supervision, the boys are happily "operating" the aerial ladder. Children are also managing to use the inflatable boat as a trampoline. There is also an opportunity to have fun on real attractions. Children are testing their accuracy by throwing rings onto a flamingo's neck, knocking down a wooden cockerel, or catapulting a "frog into a swamp" with their foot. Younger children choose tag with a two-meter-tall multi-coloured flower, which instantly "plays along" to the music of a group performing on stage, as if on an imaginary guitar. The restless children, momentarily calmed, watch its performance attentively.
There is also space for more leisurely entertainment. In the shade near the "Everything for the Home" shop, chess enthusiasts are calculating their moves. Artur Shushkevich, the city champion in the junior age group, and his friend Sasha Shishko are playing with hand-made pieces, twice the usual size. Nearby, three more games are in progress. There are also girls among the chess players.
And what kind of celebration is complete without sweets! Employees of OJSC "Lepel MKC" are busy handing out free ice cream to children. Popcorn, cotton candy, pastries – there are other treats available, though at the parents' expense.
"My daughter enjoyed the celebration: she had ice cream, cotton candy, sat in a boat, and drew on the pavement," says Alexander Savchenko. "What did you draw?" I ask nine-year-old Nastya.
"Vasya the striped cat," answers the nine-year-old artist modestly. Now Nastya is about to throw a ball at a target… Let's hurry to the central square: the head of the Lepel District Department for Emergency Situations, Dmitry Pshenko, is awarding the winners of the district competition "Rescuers Through the Eyes of Children".
The chords of the final song are heard. "The concert is ending, but the celebration continues," warns the clown. And it certainly does continue! Children have already gathered near the fire engines, waiting for the "foam surprise." They can barely stand still, moving closer and closer to the fire hose from which foam splashes like summer "snow"... The first splashes, joyful shouts, and soaked clothes do not hinder the fun. "I've been waiting for this all year!" exclaims one of the boys. What better assessment of the celebration could there be?!
Recalling childhood by Ekaterina OSOVSKAYA
Photos by the author.
