Ian Egan 
Learning Through Art, the Cincinnati-based non-profit organization whose programs have increased opportunities for collaboration, arts education, artistic growth, community engagement, and economic development in the region for the past 26 years, is excited to once again partner with the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden to host the 13th annual Macy’s Kids, Cultures, Critters, and Crafts Festival on Wednesday, July 18. The festival, which attracts more than 20,000 people from across the region each year, is Learning Through Art’s signature event of the summer.
For just $1 per person, community members can enjoy the daylong event, which features a variety of entertainment that celebrates the city’s rich cultural mosaic. Festival-goers will enjoy a variety of dance, music, and hands-on interactive booths designed for all ages, right at the Cincinnati Zoo, the city’s top tourist attraction. This year’s line-up will include performances by Madcap Puppets, 
Nasty Nati Brass Band, and Cincinnati Baila. Back by popular demand, International Village offers exciting activities such as Passport Plaza and Kid Crafts Corner. Additional entertainment for the entire family includes a samba parade, marionettes and puppets, storytelling, belly dancing, magicians, stilt walkers, jugglers, face painting, magician, vocal ensemble, cultural dance troupes, and more.
“Each year, the Macy’s Kids, Cultures, Critters, and Crafts Festival draws thousands of people from across Greater Cincinnati to experience, interact with, and learn to appreciate their neighbors who make up the rich mosaic of our community,” said Kathy Wade, co-founder and CEO of Learning Through Art and the festival organizer. “The highly-anticipated event brings together local and international artists and performers to showcase the best of what our city has to offer. Our unique partnership with the Cincinnati Zoo over the years has provided $1 admission for more than 170,000 neighbors to get together and enjoy one of the country’s top 10 zoos.”
Returning this year is the special Metro fare and free entertainment on Route 46. Learning Through Art continues to partner with Metro to ensure convenient transportation options for just 50 cents one-way or $1 round-trip from anywhere on Route 46. Riders on the bus will enjoy live, in-transport entertainment featuring French guitarist Sylvan Archer and Jazz violinist Ed Oxley.
The Macy’s Kids, Cultures, Critters, and Crafts Festival is generously underwritten by its title sponsor Macy’s; presenting sponsors Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr./US Bank Foundation, and Local 12; and gold sponsors Metro, the Cincinnati Herald and CSC Special Events.
The gates are open from 10 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. for the general public, with early entry at 9 a.m. for season pass holders.
About Learning Through Art
Learning Through Art, Inc. (LTA), is a premier 501(c)(3) non-profit organization celebrating 26 years of building “community” through art. Offering programs of cultural arts — the most common bond between people and cultures — to increase opportunities for collaboration, arts education, artistic growth, community engagement, and economic development throughout the Greater Cincinnati Metropolitan region and beyond.
LTA programs seek to build bridges, break down barriers, and bring neighbors and neighborhoods together in celebration of the rich mosaic beauty of our global multicultural region. Since 1992, LTA has served over 1,000,000 neighbors, instilling a sense of art appreciation, cultural understanding, and connectedness.
