Stagecoach: What to do with the kids at the fest

Kids ages 10 and younger get in and camp for free this weekend at Stagecoach and the Half-Pint Hootenanny is back to entertain them at the Empire Polo Club.

The annual kids' area at the country music festival, the Hootenanny will be located near the Ferris wheel and open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

There are always a ton of activities at the kids' area and this year is no exception.

One of my favorite bands, who are Pappy & Harriet's regulars, I See Hawks in L.A., are set to perform, as is Earthworm Ensemble. Earthworm Ensemble is made up of members of I See Hawks.

I hope to get a group of little kids to start chanting "Slash From Guns 'N' Roses" at the I See Hawks. It's a great song.

Special to The Press-Enterprise

I See Hawks in L.A. and kiddie band counterpart Earthworm Ensemble, will perform at the Half-Pint Hootenanny area at Stagecoach.

What's a music festival without some education? Kids, who are between the ages of 8 and 15, can learn how to play bluegrass at the Pickin' Parlor.

You must bring your registration materials along with your instrument to the festival. Download registration information and materials here: www.pickinparlor.com.

There will also be other activities including Professor Tinker's Medicine Show, Western Sidewalk Swindles and on Sunday you can also see Jim Kasmir's Flea Circus.

Other activities include steer roping, face painting, games, prizes and more.

Plus, the kids' area also has another big advantage--they will collect information and give kids' wristbands that can help reunite you if you get separated during the fest.