There was dancing in the street yesterday — Punchbowl Street to be exact — as thousands of people jammed the grounds around the state Capitol to celebrate youth.

Charming kiddos in aloha regalia did the hula to 'ukulele and song on Punchbowl; then there were drums and bagpipes.

Amusements, diversions and exhibitions of all types abounded: soccer clubs, fencing clubs, face painting, the Khanate of the Golden Horde, costume contests, giant slides, the rock-wall climb, the merry-go-round, baton twirlers, beauty queens, inflatable bouncers, Royal Hawaiian hot dogs and the Baby Hui; and promotions for Earth Day, the Kiwanis, the Division of Forestry and Wildlife, the Emergency Medical Services paramedics, Easter Seals, and the Pearl Harbor Fleet and Family Support Center.

Also, there were free tours of 'Iolani Palace and Gallery, Washington Place and the Governor's Ceremonial Room.

And the price was right — everything but the food was free.

Allison Rigg of Ala Moana was on hand with her two kids, Jackson, 2, and Alexander, 3, along with Nicole Yamamoto of Makiki.

"I think it's really great that they're having Keiki Day," Yamamoto said.

Rigg said she was there to "let the kids explore the events. And it's free," she said. "It's great if you're on a budget."

Alexander indicated strongly there was shave ice in his immediate future.

Mike and Ihan Young of Waikiki pushed their 1-year-old daughter, Jade, in a stroller. Sleepy Jade took it all in stride. It was the Youngs' first time with their firstborn to take in the enticements of the annual festival, which was celebrating its 16th year.

"We didn't know it was so big, with so many kid things to do," Mike said. "And it's free. We have a baby now; we'll be here every year. It's awesome that the community would do this for the kids. It's fantastic to see so much variety offered — for babies all the way up to teenagers."

He looked around at the crowds of merrymakers and said, "It's the perfect location and a beautiful day. It's special to us."

Meanwhile, at the Prestige Sports Management exhibit martial arts enthusiast Steve Farmer of "The Champion" TV show was taking on all comers.

Fearless Jason Reilly, 4, grappled with Farmer and despite the fact that it took young Jason's entire body just to deal with Farmer's right arm, the lad managed to pin his much larger foe and win the match.

Farmer autographed a photo for Jason and told him he had what it took to be a champ.

Jason and Lorie Reilly of Waipi'o congratulated their boy after the match. Asked to sum up the experience, Jason Jr. said: "Wrestle, fun."

The promoters said more than 200 exhibitors and community organizations made the celebration possible.