FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Getting in touch with the 'inner van Gogh' was this year's theme for Nutrition Fest, a day of fun and festivities designed to entertain children of all ages. On March 30, parents and providers brought their children Tolsen Youth Activities Center, for either a morning or an afternoon session, which was a prelude to April's Month of the Military Child.
Children rotated through the two gyms at TYAC - dancing along with step instructors, decorating crafts, tackling an obstacle course and raising the decibel scale a few notches. They also chowed down on 600 slices of pizza in the Tolson clubhouse (delivered by Sports USA), or walked away with snacks like apple juice and apple sauce.
Walter Boyd, nutrition manager for Child and Youth Services, coordinates the yearly event.
"It's educational. They get to see and do (different) things, rather than staying in one environment all day," Boyd said.
Current construction around the center led to a scaled-down version of Nutrition Fest, which usually features a bounce house, military police and their K-9s and a fire truck.
Nora Rodriguez read about the event on the Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation website, and brought her two-year old daughter, Gala. They decorated a floppy pink head visor with spongy letters and shapes. A variety of door knob hangers and hats and other crafts delighted the children, who typically ranged in age from toddlers to elementary schoolers.
"We let you use your imagination as a child," said Boyd, who pointed out that the face-painting table was a big hit.
Tina Hammontree watched as her son, Noah, headed to the popular face-painting table. The pre kindergartener opted for a green snake on his arm instead.
"It was a nasty day so we just decided to come out and see what it was all about," said Tina. "I think they like it better now that the music has started, it's a lighter mood."
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