Abi Carter performs for 800 local students at ‘Kidchella,’ talks youth mental health at the Packhouse at Aziz Farms
Tori King
THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) — Abi Carter, an Indio native and winner of last season’s American Idol, performed at ‘Kidchella’ Saturday. The second annual event was hosted by both the Palm Springs Unified School District and the Packhouse at Aziz Farms. PSUSD ELOP Director Amber Gascoigne contracted The Packhouse to produce the event at the property in Thermal, and intimately curated every detail of the days activities to make sure all 800 families in attendance left with good memories.
Kidchella 2025 featured live music from several local bands, including a performance by American Idol winner Abi Carter, yard games, carnival rides and other interactive activities. Kids also got to enjoy bounce houses and a ferris wheel. The students in attendance also got to take home boxes of produce and books, at no cost to them.
More than a dozen local vendors partnered with Packhouse at Aziz Farms to provide free food, drinks, and services, including:
Armenta ProduceEric Wilson DesignsYore BoardsLivs Palm SpringsPopin off PiesE & E PelsPetite Bee EventsParty Life Photo BoothJames EventsAbi CarterSalton City Surf ClubAvenida MusicaGoytico ProductionsStanton InsuranceBurtecPinots PalletXicali Dogs Fruit Cart
This year, the Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) also set up a booth to help teach the students about youth mental health. On-site professionals brought resources for students and parents on mental health care. IEHP also partnered with Abi Carter to spread the message about the importance of youth mental health. Carter spoke with News Channel 3’s Tori King on why the event mattered to her, and the work she’s done with IEHP.
“I felt like IEHP was the best healthcare that I ever had. But I remember during that time that I was with IEHP, I was going through my own mental health struggles, and they were incredibly respectful, receptive to it. I just felt very supported during that time,” Carter said.
Carter also spent time talking and taking pictures with attendees.
Packhouse at Aziz Farms will be hosting Kidchella again this Wednesday, in partnership with Desert Hot Springs students.