Children and their families flooded Washington Street, Columbus Park, Washington Square and Merrimack Street Sunday for Kidsfest, which included a shriek-inducing bounce house, a skateboard park, hula hoop clinics, face painting, sports games and more.
A few sprinkles began to fall around 3 p.m., but revelers ignored them.
At the main stage in Washington Square, performances throughout the day drew a dense crowd. First, the DeAngelis School of Music and Art presented its Rock School students. Later in the afternoon, there was a martial arts demonstration, as students from many of the city's studios impressed the crowd with their agile movements and powerful tricks.
Junior and Senior Haverhill Idols were also named at Kidsfest, as the top 16 singers selected from 80 auditioners took the stage. First came the top eight junior idols, grade 6 and under, competing for the title. Matthew Garcia took home first place for his rendition of Ne-Yo's "Miss Independent." Taylor House finished second after singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and Emily Bresnahan came in third with her version of "Tomorrow" from the musical "Annie."
Matthew took home a $500 savings bond, a new bike, a birthday party for 20 at Chang's Tae Kwon Do and free lessons at the DeAngelis School of Music and Art.
But for Matthew, who finished in second place last year, winning was enough to put him on cloud nine.
"This is the most awesome feeling ever in my life," he said, smiling ear to ear.
Kidsfest concluded with the Haverhill Idol competition for students grade 7 and older. Eight teens fearlessly performed for the crowd and the judges, showcasing a wide variety of songs from a capella to country to pop. Top prize went to Bobby Gariepy, who sang "Sunday Morning" by Maroon 5.
Katie Amaro came in second place after singing her version of Vanessa Carlton's "A Thousand Miles." Third place went to Amelia Moscone for her rendition of Queen's "Somebody to Love."
Bobby was awarded a $1000 savings bond, a hair and makeup makeover ar Studio 13, a digital photo session at Foto Factory, a three-month membership at Chang's Tae Kwon Do America and free lessons at DeAngelis School of Music and Art.
All the young singers performed in front of a Haverhill Idol sign, reminicent of the logo for the Fox ratings juggernaut "American Idol," designed by Whittier Tech students. Ron Carpenito was the competition's Ryan Seacrest, introducing the contestants and announcing the winners.
