Los Angeles’ Taste of Soul Family Festival has a reputation for uniting the city’s vibrant soul cuisine, music, and culture, but one part of the event stands out—the Taste of Soul’s Children’s World. Each year, this dedicated space offers entertainment, education, and creativity that captivates children and families.
On Saturday, Oct. 19, kids pulled their parents toward Children’s World. Thanks to California First 5, people of all ages enjoyed fun activities like face painting, giant Tic-Tac-Toe, iPad games, and other fair games like basketball hoop toss and ring toss.
Owen Garcia, California First 5 tour manager, shared why it was important to invest in the South L.A. community by providing the best opportunity for fun for the families attending the Taste of Soul Family Festival.
“We felt it was important to come into the community and tell everybody about toxic stress in the home because it’s so important that it’s acknowledged at an early age-if it goes untreated, kids can grow up with cognitive issues in school and other problems that arise from a toxic, stressful environment at home,” Garcia said.
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Garcia explained First 5 provides a helpline with live agents that parents can call for advice.
“The end game is to put the word out there that you are not by yourself, and we (California First 5) are here to support you with any needs you have in terms of helping the household from toxic stress,” Garcia said.
A little girl named Mia Moreno was upset with her mom, Yessenia Villacorta, when she told her they had to leave Children’s World.
“She (Mia) loved it; she loved all the games and the toys. We love that it’s family-friendly, and honestly, it’s good for whoever comes, so thank you for the event,” Villacorta said.
Another group of happy guests, the Sobral-Carter family of six shared their experience of the Children’s World.
“We liked the inflatable games; we’ve never seen that before,” Juliana Sobral, mother of Bishop, Murs, Surf, and Jungle Sobral-Carter.
Nick Carter, father of the Sobral-Carter children, said, “It (Children’s World) made our experience good. It’s a fair trade; we get to come here and get something to eat, and they (the children) have fun. It’s not just about the food, which is kind of boring to the kids.”
“The Bakewell family has always supported Bowers and Son’s cleaners in South Central for many years; they supported us for many years and really appreciate the support of the community and throwing events like this and supporting Black businesses-walking the walk and talking the talk,” Carter said.
Also, Children’s World, sponsored by California First 5, hosted many fun activities for people of all ages, such as face painting, inflatable games, and a slime making station. And Music was provided by 94.7 The WAVE.
Taste of Soul Children’s World is a family-friendly section of the more considerable Taste of Soul event. It is designed to provide a safe and interactive space for children to engage with their culture, learn new things, and have fun. The area had something for everyone, from interactive art stations to a dancing area. Whether a parent seeking to inspire their child’s creativity or simply looking for a way to keep little ones entertained, Children’s World delivered both excitement and learning.
Other sponsors of the Taste of Soul Family Festival include Bank of America, Waymo, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, LADWP, UDW-AFSCME Local 3930 Wells Fargo, Southern California Edison, Cedars-Sinai, SEIU Local 2015, UCLA Health, Pasadena City College, MLK Community Healthcare, Brotherhood Crusade, U.S. Bank, Kaiser Permanente, Vallarta Supermarkets, InnovAge California PACE Crenshaw Center, USC, California Teachers Association, Watts Health Care, Los Angeles Community College District, Charles R. Drew University, AT&T, Los Angeles Dodgers, Black Girl Sunscreen, Los Angeles Public Library, Habitat for Humanity LA, OneLegacy, Pantages/Centerstage Group, Black Girl Sunscreen, Cal Fire, California Conservation Corps, California Black Media, Pet Food Express, Umpqua Bank, SEIU 721, Lee Andrews Group, W. King Healthcare Group, CA Yimby, Target, Comerica Bank, California Highway Patrol, DoorDash, Los Angeles Football Club, First 5 L.A., Center for Healthcare Rights, LA Sanitation, West Basin Municipal Water District, UTLA, 97.1 KNX, K-Earth 101, KTWV, L.A. Care, Neighborhood Housing Services.
Taste of Soul partners include Bakewell Media, Los Angeles Sentinel, Mothers In Action, Radio FREE 102.3 KJLH, CBS2/KCAL9, 94.7 The WAVE, Brotherhood Crusade, LAUSD, LA Department of Transportation, Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, City of L.A., County of L.A., Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services, and Western States Carpenters.
