On May 3, 2025, under the bright sunshine of May, laughter filled the air in Dong-gu, Daejeon, as the '2025 Dong-gu Children's Day Big Festival' took place. This event, co-hosted by Dong-gu and Daejeon University, attracted around 3,000 children and parents, marking it as the largest Children's Day celebration in the region.
The festival was themed "Growing Together With Tomorrow's Precious Dreams," and it kicked off with vibrant children's performances that set a joyful tone for the day. Following the performances, a series of meaningful activities unfolded, including the reading of the Children's Rights Charter, an award ceremony recognizing exemplary children and contributors to child welfare, and a chorus of the Children's Day song. The highlight of the event was a grand gift box opening performance that delighted the audience.
Throughout the venue, various experience spaces were filled with activities designed to engage families and children alike. Attendees enjoyed bubble shows, balloon art, family recreation activities, robot demonstrations, cookie making, and hand-painting T-shirts. Additionally, a life-size photo booth was set up, allowing families to capture memorable moments from the day.
One of the standout features of the festival was the 'I Am a Little Boss Flea Market,' where children took on the role of sellers, learning about entrepreneurship in a fun and interactive way. This initiative, along with a battery exchange event aimed at promoting environmental awareness, allowed children to naturally grasp the importance of resource recycling and carbon neutrality.
The event also featured a hot air balloon photo zone that became a popular spot for families to take pictures, adding to the day's joyful atmosphere. Park Hee-jo, the head of the Dong-gu Office, expressed his hopes for the children, stating, "I hope that the children, who are the future's protagonists, can grow up healthier and happier through this time spent with their families. I will do my best to make Dong-gu a child-friendly city."
In his remarks, Park emphasized the event's purpose: to support the dreams of future generations while creating warm memories for families. He also highlighted Dong-gu's commitment to becoming a family-friendly city through practical childcare policies, including expanding public childcare, enhancing child care support, and increasing opportunities for youth career experiences.
The festival, which took place at the Daejeon University Mac Center, was not only a celebration of Children's Day but also a testament to the community's dedication to nurturing future generations. As families participated in the various activities, the sense of community and shared joy was palpable, reinforcing the importance of such events in fostering connections among residents.
As the day came to a close, the smiles on the faces of children and parents alike reflected the success of the festival. It was a day filled with laughter, learning, and love—an experience that many will cherish for years to come. Dong-gu's efforts to create a supportive environment for children and families were evident in every corner of the festival, making it a memorable occasion for all involved.
