Cartoons don’t have to be just for kids. 

The Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre in Moscow, Idaho, gives those a chance wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the Saturday Farmers Market with showings of classic American cartoons.   

Audience members can see Bugs Bunny disguise himself in drag to escape Elmer Fudd, watch the senseless violence of Tom and Jerry, and follow Rocky and Bullwinkle’s misadventures preventing Fearless Leader’s plot for world domination.

The second annual event, which has been running since June, will continue through the last weekend of September.

Christina Gilmore, the executive director of the Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre, said attendance has nearly tripled since last year.

“We’ve learned that having the door open on Saturdays during the market season is a great asset,” Gilmore said. “Lots of people who haven’t visited the theater before come in and see the historic building and enjoy a small piece of their childhood.”

Although admission is free, Gilmore said the theater always accepts donations, which helps provide funding for further community events.

“Currently we are working with the MET Live in HD to bring Opera to the Kenworthy,” Gilmore said. “We are also working on our back stage area to provide better facilities to the theater groups that use the space.” 

Any cartoons prior to 1985 are fair game, including “Where Are You Scooby Doo?”

Although the shows don’t include newer cartoon favorites such as, “Spongebob Squarepants,” or “Adventure Time,” the older classics can still make children laugh.

A 10-year-old boy, Corey, attending the show with his father and two younger sisters said he preferred the older cartoons.

Similarly, 8-year-old Graham, who was also at the show, said Scooby Doo was his favorite because of his love or animals.

Those interested in the nostalgia of old cartoons still have three chances to catch the shows.

Saturday Classic Cartoons will continue to take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays until the end of the month at the Kenworthy in downtown Moscow.

Reporting by Trevor Williams