Moja Moyo will perform African music and dance.

St. Louis kids will have a chance this month to take part in fun, games and music from St. Louis' varied past.

The Missouri Historical Museum will sponsor a two-day International Funfest on Saturday and Sunday, July 14-15. Hours are from noon to 4 p.m. each day. The museum is located on Lindell Ave. in Forest Park.

All activities both days will be free.

Barnes Bradshaw is the program coordinator for the Missouri History Museum.

He said, "The International Funfest will be like taking a trip around the world without leaving St. Louis. We will feature music and dance that spans the globe. Also, we'll have toys and games from St. Louis' past and present.

"Kids and their families are invited to join in the songs, dance, and games. This is definitely a participation weekend for the whole family."

Kids will see and hear a wide variety of music and dance from several ethnic groups in St. Louis.

Irish musicians Milligan Stew

Irish music and dance will be performed by Milligan Stew. The Persian music will be by Ensemble Esphahan. Moja Moyo will perform African music and dance.

The Italian music and dance will be by the Trio La Violette. Bosnian music will be by Mensur Hatic and Friends while Latin music and dance will be by Intrigue Visual Music.

In addition there will be demonstrations of bocce ball, an Italian game, and cork ball. That's a St. Louis version of stick ball. Bradshaw said, "During World War II, St. Louis servicemen introduced cork ball around the world."

One of the hands-on treats for kids will be the Old Tyme Toys and Games table. This includes a number of historical toys and games from the museum's historical teaching collection. Kids will be able to play the Mill Game and Thomatrope (a string and button game). They'll also make and use hand puppets.

There's going to be two hula hoop contests each day. Kids from the audience will take part.

In addition, a group of St. Louis Girl Scouts will demonstration their Double Dutch jump rope abilities. The audience also will be invited to show their skills, Bradshaw said.

Dr. Tada and His Magic Spinning Tops will give demonstrations on both days. Dr. Tada is a Washington University professor who has developed an outstanding act featuring spinning tops. Some of them he juggles on a string.

Illusionist Terry Richison

Also on the program will be master illusionist Terry Richison, with his demonstrations of magic and sleight of hand.

Among other activities that will go on both days are face painting, hopscotch, balloon manipulation and a caricature artist.

The International Funfest weekend is just one of a series of special events sponsored throughout the year at the Missouri Historical Museum. The museum recently opened a large new building expansion while gives more room for special events and displays.

Bradshaw said, "We're particularly interested in showing kids the relationship between history and the present day. Much of St. Louis' current history is tied to its past."

For information about museum programs, you can go to its website at www.mohistory.org. Or you can call Bradshaw at (314) 454-3135.

You and your family might also like to become Friends of the Museum. That way, you'll get advance notice of all the upcoming events. Ask your parents to join.