FORT BENNING, Ga. - "No strings attached."
That's the theme for Fun Fest, an annual community celebration put on by Epworth United Methodist Church.
School's out, but don't head off for summer vacation without bringing family and friends to this festival-style event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 5. There'll be free food, games, prizes, entertainment - and no catch.
Dan Robinson, a member of Epworth who's been coordinating the event with his wife Beth for the past six years, said he's happy to do it.
"Everything's free, that's the whole deal," he said. "(I) hope we can offer a day, no cost for them and their families, just to come out and enjoy themselves, no strings attached."
Robinson said he extends a special welcome to the Soldiers and family members of Fort Benning.
"We are huge fans of the military and Fort Benning specifically," he said. "We just so greatly appreciate what our military does for us and risks for us day to day. This is such a miniscule thing compared with what they do for us, (but it's) one thing we can do for the families and the men and women who defend our liberties. That's the bottom line."
So what is there to do at Fun Fest' Here's just a sample of what they'll have and why you want to be there:
Food
Enjoy Chick-fil-A, Zaxby's, pizza, hot dogs, snow cones, cotton candy, Carmike Cinemas popcorn and plenty of soda. Sometimes there's barbecue. Sometimes church members bring cookies, brownies and other sweets. Either way, come hungry.
Rides
There's everything inflatable you could wish for: moon walks, a 35-foot giant slide, obstacle courses. Younger kids can swim in the sea of balls or go for a train ride. Older ones may enjoy the whirling - and dizzying - gyroscope or shooting hoops on the inflatable basketball "court."
Games
Youngsters can play a variety of fun games, testing their aim and coordination. Don't worry about your little ones' skill level. There are free prizes to encourage them along the way.
Entertainment
What's a festival without music' Chill to the tunes of the East Wind Bluegrass Band while looking at the many of displays and exhibits.
Let your kid wear a firefighter's boots or see what a police car looks like inside. Public safety officials will on hands to show off their gadgets and vehicles and answer questions.
Get up-close and personal with some of the South's most interesting raptors. Be sure to stop and talk with the experts of the Southeastern Raptor Rehabilitation Center for some fascinating facts and rare insight into these powerful birds of prey.
If you bring your camera, you may want to pose for pictures with the Chick-fil-A cow and Auburn University's Aubie the Tiger. Or meet the real animals - the dogs and cats of PAWS Humane.
Prizes
Besides the kiddie prizes - and there are a lot of those - adults can register for door prizes. Try your luck at winning a charcoal grill, gift cards or any of a number of great items.
So are you ready to go' The church is at 3763 U.S. Highway 431 N, just down the street from the Wal-Mart in Phenix City. If you see something that looks like a carnival, pull over and park.
"You will not miss it, I promise you," Robinson said. "It's going to look like a circus sat down on the front yard."
Questions' Call 334-298-3186.
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