A spring chill did not prevent about 2,500 people from attending Fort Meade's 26th annual Family Fun Fair on Saturday at McGill Training Center.
The four-hour event, sponsored by Child, Youth and School Services, was part of the installation's annual observance of the Month of the Military Child.
"This is our opportunity to pay homage to military kids," said Francisco Jamison, CYSS youth administrator. "It's our chance to give a little back to them for all that they go through as military children."
Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein, who attended with his wife, Audrey, and children Emily and Sam, welcomed families.
"This program is important to me as garrison commander and also as a dad," Rothstein said. "Emily and Sam didn't sign up for this life, they got into it by birth. The resilience of military kids comes from their parents and programs like this. Enjoy the day."
The fair's teenage hosts were Nate Hutchings, son of Chaplain (Capt.) Wyne Hutchings, chaplain for the 308th Military Intelligence Battalion, and Rebekah Branham, daughter of Navy Chief Daniel Branham of Naval Support Activity in Washington, D.C.
The event featured a wide range of activities including a youth talent show; dance performances, a piano recital and Tae Kwon Do demonstration by SKIES Unlimited; pony and train rides; face-painting; a moon bounce and inflatable slides. Families also enjoyed low-cost hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken tenders, fries, sodas and funnel cake.
Many on- and off-post organizations and businesses displayed informational booths about youth and health services and community programs. They included the Fort Meade Family Advocacy Program, the Fort Meade School Liaison Office, the Fort Meade Girl Scouts, the Anne Arundel County Recycling Division, the Fort Meade Credit Union and Johns Hopkins-U.S. Family Health Plan.
"We look forward to doing this every year," said Celena Flowers, Family Advocacy Program manager. "It gives us a chance to interact with Fort Meade families. We don't often see families unless they come into the office, so this is exciting and meaningful for us."
Flowers said many families asked about Army Community Service parenting classes and other programs.
Jillian Waitcross, corresponding secretary for the Enlisted Spouses Club, said the event gave the club the opportunity to inform the community about its services and programs.
"Many people don't know about us," Waitcross said. "We're all about giving back to the community."
Janelle Aten, wife of Air Force Tech Sgt. David Aten, said she came to the event to support her 15-year-old daughter Tiffany who performed in several SKIES dance routines.
"We're so proud of her," Aten said. "She really expresses herself on stage."
Tiffany, a sophomore at Meade High School, said she enjoys performing for the Fort Meade community.
"It was really fun. I like to be on stage," Tiffany said. "It's not as nerve-racking to perform for Fort Meade. It feels like it's family. I know many people in the audience."
Five-year-old Brian Reba spent part of the afternoon with Lisa Polinroi, a professional unicyclist and juggler who taught the youngster several juggling tricks.
"He loves it," said Brian's mother Stephanie Reba, a resident of Glen Burnie. "He's having such a good time,"
Reba said that ever since her son saw a street performer in Baltimore several weeks ago, Brian has been practicing juggling at home and was glad to see a juggler at the fair.
"It's cool," Brian said of juggling. "I like when I spin the plate on my finger."
Maj. Keith Haskin, U.S. Cyber Command, and his wife, Molly, watched as their 4-year-old son Luke jumped on the moon bounce.
"We just came out to let our son burn off some energy," said Haskin, who lives with his family in Meuse Forest. "We came to the July 4th celebration and the National Night Out and had a lot of fun."
Steve Singer attended with his wife, Katy, a receptionist at the Fort Meade Veterinary Treatment Facility, and their son Victor, 10, and daughter Amber, 8.
Amber, who is enrolled in SKIES Unlimited, performed in jazz, ballet and tap routines. Victor participated in activities at the Arundel Mills Lego Store booth.
"I like building and I like creating stuff," said Victor after he built a model car.
Steve Singer said he appreciates activities such as the fun fair because it builds a bond between Fort Meade and families.
"It's fantastic," the Glen Burnie resident said. "It's a way to stay involved in the Fort Meade community."
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