ArtsFest, an annual free arts festival for area children, will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 29 in the Civic Center’s Exhibition Hall

The event is presented by the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana and the city of Lake Charles.

ArtsFest is designed to foster an interest in learning through engaging art projects that revolve around each year’s theme.

This year, ArtsFest Goes to Work, and local businesses and organizations will host art booths that feature the careers and vocations that are vital to not only Southwest Louisiana but also to today’s national economy. From fashion design and farming to carpentry and ceramics, children will be able to experience the ins and outs of these careers while creating arts and crafts projects that they can take home.

Mayor Randy Roach will be on hand to begin the day’s activities, which include live music, food, hands-on pottery lessons, educational exhibits, tug of wars, caricature drawings, and interactive demonstrations on stage.

The annual ArtsFest Art Contest submissions will also be on display at the event.

In the spirit of Halloween, children are encouraged to dress up for the ArtsFest Costume Contest. Prizes will be awarded to the children with the most inventive and creative costumes.

ArtsFest sponsorships are available to area businesses and corporations that would like to make a difference in this arts education program. ArtsFest reaches out to all Lake Area children and offers a safe and fun environment of arts enrichment to boost creativity and innovation.

For more information, call the Arts Council at 439-ARTS or visit www.artsandhumanitiesswla.org.