own Festival of the performing arts when Kidfest opens this weekend.

The first production, which opens tomorrow, is the Calgary-based Iguandon Theatre's acclaimed puppet and black light play, Fish Whiskers. Originally commissioned by the Multi-Cultural Council of Alberta, Fish Whiskers has been described as a "highly entertaining'' marine melodrama which also teaches young children about community harmony.

Mrs. Paula Maguire, a former professional dancer who can still be seen on cable TV's Nickelodeon, has organised Kidfest in the belief that children deserve the very best that theatre can offer. She says that the four groups she has invited to take part in the three-month season are among Canada's top performers.

Kidfest performances are being staged in the Peacock Room of the Elbow Beach Hotel. Special `Kids' Lunches' will be served in the hotel's Spazzizi's Restaurant from 11.45 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Fish Whiskers will be performed tomorrow and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. both days. There are still some tickets at $12 ($15 for adults) available for tomorrow's performance and the 11 a.m. performance on Sunday and will be on sale from 9.30 a.m. in the Elbow Beach Hotel lobby.

Advance reservations for the Maritime Marionettes on February 5 and 6 can be made by telephoning 236-1085.

FISH WHISKERS -- Seen rehearsing for tomorrow's opening show are the puppeteers of Iguanodon Theatre's Fish Whiskers, author and director Katherine Stewart, George Szilagui and (front row) Jeff Carlson.