Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum

The grounds of Casa Feliz were abuzz with activity at the March 20 “Kids at the Casa,” a Spanish-themed children’s event celebrating music, dance, art, song and storytelling.

About 300 children and their parents enjoyed hands-on art projects, storytelling, musical performances, an en plein air painting demonstration by local artist Don Sondag, magic tricks by Thaddeus Seymour and refreshments on the grounds of Winter Park's favorite historic home. Author Cindy Parker-Martinez autographed copies of her book Classic American Nursery Rhymes (English and Spanish) which includes a musical CD.

Spark! Family Enrichment Center, located in Winter Springs, provided the arts and crafts projects. They also helped the children make a kids' version of Spanish sangria, to accompany the popcorn provided by Miller's Hardware. After the event, participants walked down to Park Avenue to the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, which was going on concurrently.

Families visited various activity stations around the property; the Opus 5 Woodwind Quintet performed in period costumes in the living room; children learned about music from the 30’s to the present and the various musical instruments in the woodwinds family. Joseph Martens, acoustic guitarist and lead singer / songwriter for the band Hindu Cowboys, entertained kids with his version of “Musical Chairs” on the front lawn. Latin dances were performed by the "Ballroom Kids" from Adanse' Studio; and Capoeira Brazilian Academy demonstrated native dance and martial arts. Jack Rogers, chairman of Casa Feliz and story-teller extraordinaire, shared the story of the "Happy House that Moved" in the Garden Room.

“Kids at the Casa” was a terrific way to involve a younger generation in the story of Casa Feliz,” enthused board member and parent Ann Stevens. “It was great for the kids to have a hands-on arts experience in this historic setting.” Check out our "Photo Gallery" page to see photos of this event.