One last hurrah before school

A stage-shy albino Burmese python became an unexpected hit at this weekend’s Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza.

The annual monthlong celebration showcases the efforts of more than 75 children’s charities, with more than 100 events and performances for families.

The festival was packed with families attracted by the lure of free entertainment and craft opportunities — and air conditioning. For many kids present, the festival was their last hurrah before the school year begins.

The python was part of a presentation by Prehistoric Pets. It drew gasps and screams when it pushed the lid off its plastic crate during the middle of the stage show, and tried to slither away before it was caught.

At the show Saturday afternoon, kids like Jonathan Nguyen, 4, got to touch a rose-haired tarantula, a rat snake, a red-tailed boa and a Savannah monitor lizard named Sparky, among other creatures.

Jonathan even had the tarantula displayed on his head for the crowd; he squirmed and giggled, but wasn’t frightened.

“It tickled,” he said.

Other festival events this weekend at South Coast Plaza included arts and crafts projects with the Bowers Museum and Color Me Mine; a Boy Scout flag ceremony; and performances by the Anaheim Ballet, Orange County Children’s Theatre and other groups.

The Hi-Tops Dance Group, comprised of students and alumni of the Speech and Language Development Center in Buena Park, used symbols and props to construct detailed routines at their performance.

Sunday, kids enjoyed a back-to-school fashion show.

For 4-year-old Kylie Schank, having her face painted was the best part of the festival.

She and her mother came to South Coast Plaza for the whole afternoon, after participating in last year’s festival.

Esau Santiago, 8, also had his face painted; he couldn’t get enough of the animals on display, and went to the Rainforest Café with his family for more.

The nonprofit Festival of Children Foundation was founded in 2002 by Sandy Segerstrom Daniels, who wanted local charities to be able to collaborate to improve the lives of children.

For more information, visit festivalofchildren.org.