FORT RUCKER, Ala. (March 20, 2015) -- Giants, magicians, tests of confidence and mythical creatures sound like fantasy, but Fort Rucker families can experience all of these and more during the 11th annual Children's Festival March 28 from 1-4 p.m.
Janice Erdlitz, Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation marketing director, said the Children' s Festival is a free, fun-filled event that kicks off April's Month of the Military Child.
"[DFMWR] recognizes and celebrates our military youth for their contributions to the Army family," she said. "Part of what we do at MWR is to make fun happen. We make the opportunities available for families to make memories that will last a lifetime.
"I love Children's Festival," she added. "It is our special time to go all out and develop an amazing family event. We even have a stilt walker and magic show."
According to Erdlitz, Corvias Military Living will bring out the Easter Bunny for children to meet and take photos with. The Warrant Officer Candidate Course will bring out their Confidence Course for the youth.
"Some of our other sponsors are bringing out birdhouses to paint," Erdlitz said. "I also heard there might even be some free ice cream for our little tikes.
"One of the biggest elements of the event is our Easter egg hunt," she added. "We will have more than 10,000 eggs and some will have prize tickets inside. So if you find an egg with a ticket, be sure to stop by the prize ticket tent during the event to pick up your prize."
Erdlitz said the event is one of several upcoming opportunities to enjoy the outdoors as a family.
"[DFMWR] conducts many family events like our upcoming Children's Festival where families can enjoy a day together watching a magic show, or discovering the friendly animals at the petting zoo, or watching their children hunt for Easter eggs," she said. "The list goes on and on with ways [DFMWR] can assist in building a solid foundation for patrons to improve their resilience and just spend the day de-stressing. 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."
Admission is free and open to the public. Activities such as egg hunts, games, inflatables, Easter Bunny photos and access to the petting zoo are also free. Families need only bring money to purchase food or merchandise from vendors at the event.
Amanda Collins, DFMWR marketing assistant, said the event provides a perfect opportunity to strengthen bonds and increase physical activity as a family.
"Children's Festival offers many activities that provide families with an opportunity to strengthen family bonds," she said. "Whether it's playing one of the lawn games, searching for eggs, or watching the magic show, this festival promotes togetherness and shared experiences.
"Physical activity should be a part a daily routine, and the opportunities to get outside and be active abound on Fort Rucker," she added. "Parents should instill a love of outdoor activity in their children from a young age to give them the best possible chance at growing up healthy and well-rounded."
Children are invited to dress as their favorite superhero for the festival.
In the event of inclement weather, the Children's Festival will be moved indoors to the Fort Rucker Physical Fitness Center on Andrews Avenue.
For more information, call 255-9810.
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