Space is the name of the game for free Children's Day Festival

This Sunday, Bi-Lo presents the 22nd annual Mount Pleasant Children's Day Festival celebrating the 40th anniversary of man walking on the moon.

The space themed carnival event is for kids of all ages and expects to see at least 10,000 people. Held at Park West Recreational Center noon-5 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

"It's just a nice day for people to come out and have fun and be part of their community," said Su McManus-Frost, community event planner for the town of Mount Pleasant.

The fenced in "Kiddie Korral" area will be for ages 5-6. The rest of the event will be open for ages 7-12.

In addition to carnival games, booths and prizes, there will be 15 inflatables, face painting, a climbing wall, laser tag, pony rides and clowns. The Wando band, local dance teams, gymnastics teams and martial arts schools will give special performances on three performance stages sponsored by East Cooper Medical Center. Other entertainers include unicyclist and juggler Mark Lippard, King of Kazoo Rick Hubbard, a special appearance by Roarks Reptiles and the "hula hoop lady."

Mount Pleasant Waterworks will have an obstacle course, the fire department will be on hand with trucks and a smoke house, and the Department of Natural Resources will bring out their popular trailer with virtual fishing and hunting.

New this year will be the bomb squad with an electronic robot and the Public Service Department will have a couple of big Caterpillar construction vehicles that kids can get in and pretend to drive.

Twenty local businesses will have booths and activities right next to the booths from every East Cooper school. Free Halloween bags will also be available. Food will include pizza, funnel cakes, hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue and every other mix of foods one can imagine in a carnival atmosphere.

"It's an event that is open to everybody and nobody feels pressured to buy anything," said McManus-Frost.

Games, activities and food inside the event will benefit all East Cooper schools. Public or private, all schools are invited to host a booth to support their PTA.

If you go

What: 22nd annual Children's Day Festival.

When: Noon-5 p.m. Sunday.

How Much: Free.

Where: Park West Recreation Complex, 1251 Park West Blvd., Mount Pleasant.

Benefits: schools east of the Cooper.

More information: www.townofmountpleasant.com.