DFMWR invites families to enjoy 'big top' fun close to home

By Jeremy Henderson, Army Flier Staff WriterMarch 22, 2018

DFMWR invites families to enjoy 'big top' fun close to home
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Families are invited to "Come One, Come All" during Fort Rucker's annual Children's Festival March 24 from 1-4 p.m. at festival fields.

"The Children's Festival provides an outlet to eat great food and spend some time having fun," said Lynn Avila, Fort Rucker special events coordinator. "Come enjoy the beautiful spring weather and the fun activities that you'd find at a traditional carnival. All our MWR programs have pulled together to create an event that will be entertaining for all ages."

According to Avila, the Children's Festival also offers one of the largest Easter egg hunts available in the area.

"More than 10,000 eggs are up for grabs, separated into age groups to make it enjoyable for everyone," she said. "In addition to candy or treats in each egg, prize eggs will be available in all age groups to add to the excitement and surprise of opening up an egg to see what is inside."

She added that several hundred eggs will be filled with tickets redeemable for age-appropriate prizes.

According to Avila, this year's event features inflatables, such as a bounce castle, jousting ring and obstacle course. There will also be photos with the Easter Bunny, a trackless train, petting zoo, magic show, stilt walker, kids' karaoke, free ice cream, and of course, the Easter egg hunt. Carnival games like ring toss, bean bag toss, Plinko, face-painting, crafts and guess how many offer more fun and excitement.

"The event and many of the activities are free to the military and their families," Avila said. "There will be food vendors on site selling delicious options from which to choose. The Landing Zone's famous food truck will be on hand with hamburgers and hot dogs. We have Italian ice, snow cones, cotton candy, candy apples, popcorn and much more!"

Pony rides will also be available at a cost of $5 per ride; however, the inflatables, crafts, trackless train, egg hunt and photos with the Easter Bunny are free, she added. The event is open to military families in celebration of the Month of the Military Child. Small amounts of cash may be needed for certain food vendors, drinks and pony rides.

"Each special event throughout the year offers something different for our patrons," Avila said. "Children's Fest is no different. This event is designed specifically for children and celebrates the uniqueness of the military-child lifestyle. Again, come one and come all to help celebrate these children and all children."

In the event of inclement weather, Avila said the show will go on.

"If we are experiencing less than desirable weather on March 24, the event will be moved to the Youth Center gym located in Bldg. 2800 on 7th Avenue," she said. "In the case of a location change, stay tuned to Fort Rucker MWR's social media outlets for updates."

For more information, call 255-1749.

Related Links:

USAACE and Fort Rucker