The scene at the Shenango Valley Mall on Saturday startled Kristen Weisdack of New Castle, who brought her two daughters to see the Easter Bunny.

Peter Cottontail wasn't the only sight to behold Saturday at the mall. The fifth annual "Kids Fest 2003," produced by more than 20 area agencies, offered a variety of free and exciting activities for children that drew hordes of parents and children.

Allyson Weisdack, 6, decided to get a pink butterfly painted on her cheek. Her sister Julia, 3, got a pink heart on her hand. Soon after, the two dashed up to the Mercer County Dairy Princess booth where items like "Got Milk" stickers and cheese erasers were being passed out. As Allyson colored a picture of a cow for the booth's coloring contest, her mother and grandmother Tina Dudash looked on.

Mrs. Weisdack said she was pleased with the children's activities at the mall. Her family was able to watch a dance show by students from Carol Lee's Dance Studio, Greenville.

"The dancers were really good," Mrs. Wesidack said. "We came for the Easter Bunny, and were surprised by all of this going on. It was a nice day."

Allyson and Julia also enjoyed playing on the Tumblebus, a 36 foot long interactive school bus complete with a padded playground. The Tumblebus comes to day care center's, birthday parties and schools and was one of the new features at this years Kids Fest.

"There's a lot of activities that are really fun. The kids really loved it," Mrs. Weisdack said.

Many agencies set up shop throughout the mall, offering information, counseling and various activities concerning children.

Other featured entertainment included free prize drawings, an Applebee Pond puppet show by Hickory High School students, story hour by Notre Dame students and performances by Nick Gracenin's Martial Arts Academy, Olympic Dreams Gymnastics and the TCC Y-BOM mime team.

"Every year we do this in honor of the young children," said Joseph Lipo, marketing assistant.

You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Larissa Theodore at ltheodore@sharonherald.com