Kids event promotes fun with food through hands-on adventure

JACKSONVILLE, FL - Give kids a chance in the kitchen, and watch what culinary delights they create! That's the thinking behind Simon Kidgits Super Duper Mini Chefs at The Avenues on Saturday, June 21 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. when kids will transform the mall's Center Court into a place for food and fun. The event is free and open to all kids and their parents.

"Simon Kidgits Super Duper Mini Chefs provides our youngest chefs with an entertaining experience that fosters creative fun with food through hands-on activities," said Tina Calloway, director of mall marketing for The Avenues. "At the same time, this event creates an outlet for family members to enjoy quality time together."

The fun will begin with the chance to make a pasta creation at a Pastabilities craft station hosted by Barilla Piccolini®, a new miniature pasta, and then move to a MR. POTATO HEAD MIX N' MATCH activity from Playskool. Kids will also be eligible for free giveaways, and parents will receive coupons for Barilla Piccolini, a new miniature pasta that's sure to be loved by kids and parents alike. The fun continues with healthy recipes and other giveaways from qubo, a TV and online entertainment service for children that focuses on literacy and healthy living and provides a safe and entertaining environment that parents can trust.

In addition, Simon Kidgits Club members will receive a free Fruit & Veggie Playset and Kids Placemat while supplies last. Kids and their parents are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to help provide relief to families served by the Second Harvest Food Bank of North Florida.

The Super Duper Mini Chefs is one of several programs and events held throughout the year at The Avenues for members of Simon Kidgits Club, which focuses on health, wellness, education, safety and entertainment for children ages three through eight.

Families can sign up for the Kidgits Club during regular mall hours at Simon Guest Services or online at www.simonkidgitsclub.com. Membership includes a Kidgits Club membership card and T-shirt, scheduled entertainment and activities for families, a Birthday Club (including birthday card and gift redemption certificate), unique programs and offers, discounts, and a quarterly newsletter. For more information, visit  www.simonkidgitsclub.com.

Located just south of downtown Jacksonville, The Avenues is one of Northeast Florida's premier super-regional, multi-level shopping centers, anchored by department stores including Belk, Dillard's, JCPenney and Sears. The mall offers more than 150 stores, including Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Coach, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Origins, Pottery Barn, Talbots and Williams-Sonoma. For a map and store listings, as well as directions, events and job listings, visit www.simon.com  or call 904.363.3060.