Free Kids' Concert at Marley Station Mall

The fourth Friday of the month is a special day at Marley Station Mall. Called Kidgits Fourth Friday, local artist Tracey Eldridge mesmerized the pint-sized crowd at Centre Court during the lunch hour.

Kidgits is the Kid’s Club at the mall and the Kidgits Fourth Friday is a free program that features children’s performers. The concert series keeps young ones occupied, takes a break from the hectic week and is a popular meeting spot for playgroups, moms clubs and in-home daycare providers.

Eldridge is a preschool teacher and performer based in Maryland. She teaches preschool music education at Clara Barton Center for Children and Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church in the Washington, D.C., area.

Known at the mall for her extensive use of shakers, puppets, props and a play parachute, Eldridge delights young and old with her colorful, energetic performances. 

Diane Nelson, program director at Marley Station Mall, summarized the benefits of a Kidgits membership.

“They get a T-shirt and a whole year of fun. When [the kids] come to our events and show their card, they get a free gift,"she said. "The child also gets a birthday card when it’s their birthday. It’s mailed to their home. They bring it back to us at guest services for a birthday gift.”

Membership costs $5 per child per year.

Glen Burnie resident Shelby LaManna attended the event with her children Jacob and Olivia.

“I have one friend that always avoids this because she says is it’s crazy, but I came without her and it’s fabulous. We’re going to sign up for Kidgits,” LaManna said.

She cited another fringe benefit to the concert: “It’s probably going to make my kids have a great nap.”

Keep up to date with the latest events at Marley Station Mall by visiting their Facebook Fan page. The next Kidgits event is the Kidgit's Book Club Blast, happening Saturday, March 5, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.