By Julia Cooper

TOWN CRIER FILE PHOTO It’s up and down the slide for visitors to last year’s KIDZONE. The slide returns this year.

Pint-sized festival-goers will have a lot to look forward to at the 2006 Los Altos Arts & Wine Festival July 8 and 9, thanks to a little help from local businesses.

KIDZONE stage performances will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. The entertainers selected for the 2006 stage were chosen because of their proven ability to delight both young children and adults.

Singer Lisa Atkinson will serve as mistress of ceremonies for the stage and provide the final performance both days. Musicians Pam Donkin, Bonnie Lockhart, Wiley Rankin, Hey Mom! and award-winning television personalities Lori and RJ of Cotton Candy Express will also appear.

Studio Kicks Martial Art School will kick off each day with a martial arts demonstration, and Jimbo the Clown and Daffy Dave will provide comic relief.

Six Los Altos children’s stores joined forces to sponsor the KIDZONE stage this year: Adventure Toys, All About Mom & Me, Linden Tree Children’s Recordings and Books, Lin’s Toy Cupboard, Marion Jackstons and Personalized Gift Stop.

Dennis Ronberg, owner of Linden Tree, started the KIDZONE 15 years ago when it occupied a short stretch of Third Street. He has sponsored it ever since and said the size of the children’s amusement area has increased every year.

According to Ronberg, the KIDZONE makes the Los Altos event one of the best in the area for adults with kids.

“It really rounds out the festival, and it tells families that they have a place at the Arts & Wine Festival,” Ronberg said.

Having local stores sponsor the stage, Ronberg said, will ensure the entertainment is the best it can be and make this year’s festival even more special.

“This is the first year other businesses got involved, and I think it’s great to recognize all of the children’s stores in Los Altos,” Ronberg said. “It’s wonderful exposure for everyone.”

Nancy Dunaway, executive director of the Los Altos Village Association, which puts on the festival, said local retailers exhibit their business savvy by choosing to sponsor the stage.

“I think they are very smart by having the KIDZONE to market their businesses,” Dunaway said.

Marion Jackstons’ owner Beth Miller said sponsoring the KIDZONE stage is an important task because it guarantees there will be entertainment for attendees of all ages.

“We try to promote the Arts & Wine Festival as a family event,” Miller said. “We want people to bring their kids and have something to do.”

The KIDZONE stage will be located in the parking plaza south of State Street between First and Second streets. Dunaway said this year’s location will be improved from previous years.

“We’ve really tried to make it a pleasant area with shade and water this year,” Dunaway said.

For more information about the 2006 Los Altos Arts & Wine Festival call (650) 917-9799.