WILMOT - Just as the sun began to set on the crowd at Ultimate Kids Fest, Raven-Symoné lit up the stage herself.

As the actress, producer and musician performed about a 20-song concert, kids screamed, danced and had an all-around good time.

While adults may know her as Olivia from "The Cosby Show," youngsters also know her from her albums and from her Disney Channel television show "That's So Raven." The musician, who also has plans to go into crafting and cooking as well as show business, drew a crowd of about 1,500 in the VIP seating and another 1,500 in the grandstands.

And they couldn't be more excited to see her.

"I love her," said 16-year-old Lala Woodley of Milwaukee. "She's great. She's the reason we came on this trip."

Raven-Symoné came onstage around 8:20 p.m. to ear-piercing screams, a standing ovation and lots of happy faces.

She kicked off the concert with "That's So Raven" before moving into "Got It Girl."

The singer dressed in black and white with a black tutu got some assistance from her four backup dancers - two males and two females.

As much as 9-year-old Alexa Fullerton from Bristol loved Raven-Symoné, her favorite part of the show came from the dancers.

"I liked it when the dancers came off the stage and ran around," she said.

Among the highlights was the song "Jump In." During the song the musician asked for everyone to clap together. She was met with an enthusiastic response and people began throwing their hands in the air. Later in the set, a sea of waving hands graced the crowded group of fans.

Raven-Symoné was preceded by performances from about 20 dancers from Anita's Dance Center and Jordan Pruitt, another up-and-coming pop star.

Entertainment Director Christa Dedert said she couldn't be happier with the acts. The way Raven-Symoné dealt with fans at an earlier meet-and-greet event also impressed her.

"Usually stars just sign autographs like a machine," she said, "but she took the extra couple seconds for interaction. She was super with the kids."

The adults were glad for the musicians as well, as they got to see their kids' faces light up.

"I think anytime your kids experience fun, you do too," said Melissa Nelsen from Milwaukee. She was with four kids that ranged from 5 to 13. She said the younger kids seemed to really enjoy it.

Other parents echoed the statement that the show was really for the kids' enjoyment.

Sydnee Haney, 7, and Afrika Hamilton, 8, both of Milwaukee, showed this joy as they danced on their chairs with wide smiles.

Haney probably summed it up the best.

"I like the people, I like the dancing, I like everything about the concert," she said.

The Ultimate Kids Fest will wrap up today at the Kenosha County Fairgrounds in Wilmot.

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