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“Choo Choo Soul” chugs to Austintown
AUSTINTOWN
Two Disney characters from “Choo Choo Soul” will be chugging to Austintown Township Park on Sunday for a fun-filled day of activities, games and more.
Genevieve Goings, “Choo Choo Soul” character and the new host of Radio Disney Junior, said she expects everyone – children and parents – to come prepared to dance.
Goings and Constantine “DC” Abramson are ready to meet some lucky children at Lollyhoo Kids Music Festival between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the park.
Goings said meeting children on tours has always been fun for her.
“I just love to be able to connect with the kids and see them happy,” she said.
The duo will give a live performance of their famous tunes at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. shows.
“There is just so much to do – even more to do than just see us,” Goings said.
From a bounce-around, petting zoos and face painting stations to food vendors, mascot dance-offs and more, Lollyhoo has activities for almost every interest.
Park Supervisor Todd Shaffer said he is excited for the event for both children and parents.
“To see faces of kids light up when “Choo Choo Soul” comes out on stage is priceless,” he said. “The way they interact with all kids means a lot to the children and means even more to the parents. ... They give individual attention to each child and they are pure magic with the kids with disabilities.”
One of the core beliefs Lollyhoo founder Scott Austalosh of Austintown has is to provide accommodations for all ability levels at every Lollyhoo event.
Both Austalosh and Shaffer are fathers of daughters with special needs and they said they are ready and willing to help with all guests who join the fun day.
Austalosh’s motivation behind the event, now in its second year, was getting children and adults participating in outdoor activities.
“I wanted to do something interactive,” he said. “Having this event again means I get to see the kids and parents and how happy they are participating together. ... It shows community involvement and brings people in the area together.”
Lollyhoo is such a unique event it attracts people from all over. Last year Austalosh said he had a family travel from Michigan just for the event.
“There’s just really nothing like it,” he said.
Shaffer said he’s looking forward to working with Lollyhoo more in the future,
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased on lollyhoo.com.