Lakeside Chautauqua launches Once Upon A Porch, a free online children’s program beginning on Saturday, January 13 and a free live event on January 13 as well. The “Once Upon a Porch” project, 13 years in the making, is part of Chip Richter’s dream to connect kids and families year-round. Richter is an award-winning, children’s singer-songwriter serving up stories, songs, and smiles “Family Style”.
You are invited to experience Once Upon A Porch live with you and your family at the LIVE special event on Saturday, January 13 at 6:30 p.m. at Avon United Methodist Church. Children and their families will have an opportunity to laugh, smile and “Jam in Your Jammies” with some of the crew from NEW Once Upon A Porch. Yes, wear your jammies!
Since 1873, Lakeside Chautauqua has welcomed families to the shores of Lake Erie to take part in an experience dedicated to nurturing mind, body and spirit. Lakeside is a historic community in northwest Ohio that offers an abundance of spiritual opportunities, educational lectures, cultural arts performances and recreational activities year-round for families, children and youth.
With the bulk of Lakeside’s programs and activities taking place from Memorial Day to Labor Day, “God Squad” is a summer favorite of children and adults alike. This program, led by children’s singer-songwriter, Chip Richter, combines music (both original songs and familiar classics), dancing, puppets, and meaningful, age-appropriate conversations about God to help teach children aged 4-8 about faith and values.
The new “Once Upon a Porch” first six episodes will feature topics about fear, patience, toothpaste, Achoo!, celebrate reading and gardens. Children will meet characters including Hank the Monster, Quackers the Duck, Bucky Beaver and Granny Waggles. Children and families will laugh, learn and reconnect together during every episode.
The Once Upon A Porch set, located at Bradley Temple in Lakeside Chautauqua, is where the episodes are created. It is a replica of a summer cottage front porch and the doors and windows open so the Once Upon a Porch crew can visit, teach and laugh together with all their friends. There is even a mailbox where Blue Bird sits and waits for the mail and a life size tree that shades the reading chair.
Richter’s has been creating concerts, experiences, and fun for the whole family. It’s a recipe for “more fun than a kid should be allowed to have” as Chip delivers healthy portions of love and laughter for all ages to enjoy! During the summer at Lakeside Chautauqua, he leads “God Squad,” and young Lakeside visitors affectionately know him as “Mr. Chip.”
In the middle of the long, cold, dark days of winter, this experience will bring sunshine and music together for the whole family. Don’t miss the new episode and the live launch on Jan. 13. For more information, visit lakesideohio.com/porch.