FORT RUCKER, Ala. (April 3, 2014) -- Spring has been fickle so far this year, but that doesn't mean that the Fort Rucker Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation is putting the brakes on the 10th annual Children's Festival.
The festival will be held April 12 from 1-4 p.m. at the festival fields. This year's theme is super heroes and is free to attend.
"We thought going with a super hero theme would be a great way for kids to dress up like their favorite super hero," said Kristi Fink, DFMWR special events coordinator. "It could be Spider-Man, Superman or maybe a Soldier. The children might actually get to meet and take a picture with some super heroes."
This is a fun-filled event for military children, said Fink, adding that the event includes crafts, games, a petting zoo, a magic show, a stilt walker, a diaper derby, inflatables and the largest Easter Egg hunt in the area, with more than 12,000 eggs.
Some eggs will have prize tickets inside, she added.
There will be complimentary photos with the Easter Bunny. The egg hunt for ages 4-6 will be held at 1:30 p.m., and the hunt for ages 7-9 and 10-12 will be at 1:50 p.m.
No pets are allowed at the event, but children will get plenty of chances to see and pet an assortment of friendly animals ranging from baby chicks to turtles and rabbits at the petting zoo, said Janice Erdlitz, DFMWR marketing director.
"The event just keeps getting bigger and better every year. We hope to see a couple thousand patrons come out this year," she said. "It rained last year and we had to move the event indoors at the Fort Rucker Physical Fitness Center, which is our back-up location for inclement weather. We're hoping for a beautiful day of sunshine, so our military Families can enjoy this spring weather and spend a day of quality Family-time making memories to last a lifetime."
DFMWR recognizes and appreciates the commitment, contributions and sacrifices made by military Families, especially military youth. That is why this year's theme for Month of the Military Child is Young Lives, Big Stories, said the marketing director.
"I think it's very special that we're able to recognize and celebrate our military youth for their contributions to the Army Family," she said. "The joy of seeing a child's smile when they watch the magic show, or when they get to meet the Easter Bunny, or when they sit on the ground counting all the eggs they found, is simply beautiful."
Bringing these opportunities to Fort Rucker's Families is DFMWR's way of delivering the highest quality programs, and fulfills its commitment to Soldiers, Families, retirees and civilians, said Erdlitz.
"I think a happy Family makes for a happy Soldier. By providing opportunities to enhance the quality of life for our Soldiers and Families, we're helping to provide the tools for a solid Family unit," she said. "I think we're serving the needs and interests of our military community by providing these types of events."
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