Families have plenty of activities to keep themselves and the kids busy during Newton Fest

Families with kids are going to have the busiest schedules of all Newton Fest. It might feel overwhelming at first, but we’ve done you the favor of breaking down every family event by location. Oh please. No need to thank us. We’ve got kids, too, and we need this list just as much as you do.

CAPITOL II THEATRE

Did you know the role of Toto in “The Wizard of Oz” was actually supposed to be played by a mini-pig? It’s true. Look it up.

Actually, don’t look it up. Our source — a certain four-legged diva — may have been playing a trick on us. I guess that’s another trick Joy the mini-pig can add to her repertoire. But what isn’t a trick is the Capitol II Theatre is hosting free movie screenings of “The Wizard of Oz.” Now this is true. We’ve fact-checked it.

Starting 10 a.m. Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14, the downtown Newton movie theater will be playing the classic movie sponsored by YMCA, Lauterbach Buick GMC and MercyOne.

Doors for the showing open at 9:15 a.m.

As an added bonus, the Capitol II Theatre is have a $4 pop and popcorn special.

Again, this is true. It’s not Joy playing a trick on us again.

NEWTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

The only magic trick we know is making our car keys, phone and TV remotes disappear. But that’s not as impressive since we don’t always know how to bring those back. Drat! Well, thankfully the Newton Public Library has a real deal magician on call for entertaining folks during Newton Fest.

Jonathan May is a full-time entertainer whose specialty is, well, magic. He will be performing his free show at the library’s meeting room at 1 p.m. Friday, June 13.

Maybe he can make our TV remote reappear.

CENTRE FOR ARTS & ARTISTS

Kids and adults can enjoy these events at the Centre for Arts & Artists. Whether you’re a super creative or just want to learn and have fun, the art facility has planned two fun classes during Newton Fest. The first is a Cardinal painting class 6-8 p.m. on Friday, June 13, featuring Sophie Kruger leading step by step.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! The Centre for Arts & Artists will also be hosting a free collage art workshop 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, June 14. The older kiddos and adults will get the most out of these workshops, which will no doubt test their creativity.

MAYTAG PARK

Parents, you might as well camp out at Maytag Park this weekend, because nearly every event can be found here.

Maytag Pool is hosting a community pool party that will be open free of charge at 7-9 p.m., courtesy of Advantage Credit Union. Concessions sales are available. If the kiddos didn’t get enough swimming, take them back the next day starting 1 p.m. Saturday, June 14 for discounted admission of $3 per person.

For the past few years, the UV Glow Foam Party has been a huge draw for kids and young teens alike. What exactly is a “glow foam party?” Well, there’s foam. It glows. It’s a party. It’s super simple entertainment provided by Driving Cap Entertainment, who brings along a DJ for live music.

Important to note from previous years, the UV Glow Foam Party will be held 9-10:30 p.m. Friday, June 13 at the Maytag Bowl. As always, it’s free.

Safety Fest is a classic Newton Fest activity. Our local firefighters and police officers set up their vehicles and a fun obstacle course noon-2 p.m. Saturday, June 14. It’s also a chance to meet first responders face-to-face and maybe earn a badge sticker and a fire hat. I hear they even let some kids use the fire hose!

Don’t worry, parents, they won’t point it at you.

Inflatables and laser tag and other fun games will also be available noon-4 p..m. Saturday, June 14. At the same time, the Iowa Extension and Outreach will be hosting kids crafts and a Story Walk throughout the park. Habitat for Humanity will host a coloring station, while the local Democratic Party hosts facepainting.