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Nearly every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day is filled with fairs, festivals and fireworks for families in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Buffalo and everywhere in between. Typically though, once the new school year starts, the fun fizzles.

But this year, the summer fun continues for families within driving distance to Erie, Pa., when Disney Junior comes town.

Children will have the opportunity to extend the summer fun when Lollyhoo Kid’s Music Festival, featuring Disney Junior’s Choo Choo Soul and Nickelodeon’s Peppa Pig, steams into Highmark Amphitheater at Liberty Park on September 22. The outdoor show begins at 11 a.m. and runs all day until 6 p.m.

Choo Choo Soul coming back to Erie

“We’re excited about coming to Erie to sing and dance the day away,” said Genevieve Goings, the star of Choo Choo Soul who will make her second appearance in Erie. “We love coming to the Lollyhoo Festival because we get to meet some incredible kids who love music and know how to have a good time. After this show, I’ll be taking a break from performing, so I’m ready to make this one really special.”

This will be the second time former Erie resident Scott Austalosh has brought his festival back to town. In 2017, the show was held inside Millcreek Mall. This year’s extravaganza will be outside and include stage shows, meet and greets, dance contests, demonstrations, food and plenty of activities for adults and children.

Lollyhoo isn’t your typical festival. There’s something for everyone, including children with special needs – it’s a certified autism friendly event. Organizers provide special accommodations, like a calming room, special seating and activities for children on the autism spectrum. Lollyhoo is partnering with the Autism Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania to make the show a great experience for everyone. A portion of event ticket sales will be donated to help support the organization.

“Our show is for all kids,” said Goings. “There’s something about our style of music and song that attract all children. Whether they’ve seen our show on Disney Junior or never even heard of Choo Choo Soul, they will have a fun experience and come away with smiles on their faces and music in their heads. It’s fun for the whole family.”

Plenty to do at Lollyhoo

Choo Choo Soul, led by Goings and the new Choo Choo Dance Crew, will perform at 1:00 and 4:00 during the event, and be available for photos and meet and greets. Nickelodeon’s Peppa Pig will make a special appearance at Lollyhoo, interacting with kids during four 30-minute meet and greet experiences.

In addition to the stage shows and meet and greets, the Lollyhoo festival will include loads of hands-on activities including face painting, a musical instrument “petting zoo,” karate demonstrations, crafts, a climbing wall and food vendors.

Tickets are $12 general admission and VIP tickets that include seats closer to the stage and a show poster start at $25. Family ticket packages will also be available. Tickets are on sale now at lollyhoo.com and will be sold at select ticket outlets to be announced closer to the show date.

For more information about the show, tickets, special accommodations or becoming a show sponsor, contact Scott at info@lollyhoo.com