QUINCY — The children found their way to the stage at Hancock-Adams Common, moving happily to the beat of the music. More children joined in, filling the stage during a break between performances.
Sound engineer Eric Guy immediately added “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” to the playlist. The children improvised a rendition of the Disney hit song.
“I have three children,” Guy said. “I know my 7 year old would want me to put it on.”
The children were among some 750 people who gathered for the city’s “Spring Has Sprung” festival on Saturday. They enjoyed four hours of music, dance and martial arts performances given by local schools.
The Velocity Dance Company opened the show with their energetic dance moves.
The Hung Gar Kung Fu and the Lion Dance Academy presented two sessions of lion dance and martial arts.
Kenny Li of Quincy was part of the team, dressed as a lion with his teammate.
“At the end of the performance, I feel really excited watching the crowd,” he said. “Their cheers energize us.”
The “lions” descended from the stage, approached the children and lay down next to them.
Emma Busa, 8, got as close to the lion as she could to take pictures with her iPad. She gave the performance a boost.
“They appreciate it a lot,” said Ben Busa, his father.
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Three dance studios, a children’s choir and a martial arts academy performed during the event.
“It’s time to get out and have a springtime adventure,” said John McDonald, the event coordinator for the town.
The event ended with a laser show presented by Pinnacle Laser Productions. Rays of color lit up the sky to the sound of music from famous singers like Katy Perry and the Jonas Brothers.
Andrew Dranetz, the owner of the laser company, said the show was called “Elevate” and aimed to lift people’s spirits during the pandemic.
Mayor Thomas Koch said it was the city’s first outdoor celebration for the season. There will be at least one major event each month.
“It’s good to get the kids out of the house and away from screens,” Koch said.
“It’s a great family day out,” Koch said. “I think John Adams looks very happy.”
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Contact Hongyu Liu at [email protected]
