25.05.2011.

With the summer approaching, the problem that city children have little possibilities to occupy themselves with and few places where to entertain becomes topical. Painting on bamboo vessels, percussionists, stunt performances, performance of puppet theatre, safety school for cyclists, orientation competition – these and many other activities will be available this Sunday, May 29, to all children of Riga in Vecmīlgrāvis.

Vecmīlgrāvis has set an aim to make this part of the city a place where future of the city could grow. Reason for such an ambitious aim is that henceforth Vecmīlgrāvis Development Society, together with the Freeport of Riga, will organize an array of events for children. Thus, they will have a possibility to find various educational and recreational activities.

Laila Rieksta-Riekstiņa, Head of the State Inspectorate for Protection of Children's Rights, said: “Ziemeļblāzma Kids day is a grand event for all family. It offers not only entertainment, but also valuable information and thoughtful time spending opportunities. In our times, when entertainment and recreation possibilities are limited to many families, such initiative is very welcome and should be encouraged. We can only hope that other regions of Riga and cities of Latvia will follow this example, too, and will organize similar festivities for their inhabitants.”

Kids day in Ziemeļblāzma is an old tradition, and this year it will take place already for the 103rd time. Founders of the traditions of Kids day are creators of Vecmīlgrāvis cultural life Augusts Dombrovskis (this year - 166) and Marta Rinka (this year - 131).

The green port with slogan “Green living, green delight” is the title of this year’s Kids day because Vecmīlgrāvis is one of the most industrial places in Latvia, and both adults and children live here, therefore resources offered by the nature should be saved, used reasonably and preserved for the next generations. “Green” companies will participate in the Kids day – “Zaļais punkts”, “Homo ecos”, and bike stunts association.

The event will have three parts – entertaining, creative, and educational – that will take place simultaneously throughout the day. Children of various ages will be able to participate both on the stage and in the parallel activities. It is planned that the event will be visited by at least 2000 people.

The activities will begin at 11.00 A.M. and will continue until afternoon – a special closing ceremony is planned at 4.00 P.M.