Listen to the article
(BALTIMORE – August 12, 2025) — The 31st Ruth M. Kirk Family Fun Festival lit up Franklin Square the weekend of Aug. 2nd-3rd with joy, music, and the spirit of togetherness that has defined the event for more than three decades.
“The 31st Ruth M. Kirk Family Fun Festival was amazing last weekend. We were able to watch generations of all ages enjoy themselves from different communities and neighborhoods. Some people traveled back home just to participate in this spectacular event. The new line up of groups were fantastic. But the ones who has been there for years were outstanding. It was a fun peaceful time in Franklin Park on both days. I think it was one of best ones since Arthur ‘Squeaky’ Kirk and Aline Kirk Watson has taken over along with their other siblings and board members. We like to thank all who contributed their time to make it successful,” said Karen Kirk Obayanju, Ruth’s daughter.
A Tradition Born from Love for the Community
The Family Fun Festival was launched over 30 years ago by the late Delegate Ruth M. Kirk as a way to bring joy, culture, and entertainment to the people she loved. Over the years, it has featured an impressive lineup of live performances, with past acts including Marlene Saunders, the MC Booze Band, and other local favorites.
The festival has also drawn attention from leaders across Maryland. In past years, Governor Larry Hogan and numerous local elected officials have visited Franklin Square to show their support for the community and for the legacy of Delegate Kirk.
Continuing Ruth M. Kirk’s Work
When Delegate Kirk passed, her son, Arthur “Squeaky” Kirk, made it his mission to carry forward her vision. He took a bold step by securing the Ruth M. Kirk Recreation and Learning Center and Community Garden from Baltimore City’s Department of Recreation and Parks — using his own finances to bring the center to life.
The center now serves as a year-round resource hub, offering:
-
An after-school program with meals and homework help.
-
More than 1,000 computers donated to local students and seniors.
-
An annual coat drive providing over 5,000 coats to children, adults, and seniors.
-
Weekly food distribution of over 385 boxes of fresh produce to families.
-
Special programs including horseback riding for youth.
Thanks to Governor Hogan’s generosity, the center also boasts a baby grand piano, enabling children to receive free piano lessons — a testament to the belief that access to the arts can transform lives.
More Than a Festival
The Ruth M. Kirk Family Fun Festival is not just a weekend of music and laughter. It’s a celebration of service, legacy, and the resilience of West Baltimore. Through Art Kirk’s leadership, the festival stands alongside the work of the recreation center as part of a broader mission to uplift, inspire, and empower the community Delegate Kirk loved so deeply.
And as Karen Kirk Obayanju noted, this year’s festival was one of the best yet — a peaceful, joyous gathering that honored the past while looking forward to the future.
