JBLM celebrates Month of the Military Child with Kids' Fest

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. –  Community members and military children celebrated Joint Base Lewis-McChord's Kids' Fest April 24 at Cowan Stadium, the MWR Fest Tent, Child and Youth Services Field and Freedom Park on Lewis Main.

Kids’ Fest is an annual April event at JBLM that coincides with the observance of the Month of the Military Child. The event lets the JBLM community show its support for military children and get creative at the same time.

“We’re happy to offer a full day of play as we come together to celebrate the Month of the Military Child with the grand opening of the Children’s Museum on JBLM and the start of our Kids' Fest,” said Lt. Gen. Randy George, I Corps commanding general. “A little bit of drizzly rain can’t dampen our spirits, and I know the activities we have out here today will make the kids happy and the parents even more thrilled.”

Kids' Fest activities included sports, bowling, obstacle courses, prize games and crafts. Units and community services also offered static displays of military vehicles, armaments and emergency vehicles.

“It’s raining a lot today, but we are still having fun,” said Tori Thigpen, 6-year-old Kids' Fest participant. “I want to thank everyone for letting us play with them.”

Along with activities for the kids, multiple JBLM affiliates hosted information booths for parents, newcomers and senior community members.

“We’re happy that JBLM continues to offer these types of events, while ensuring we’re remaining as COVID-safe as possible,” said Chandler Thigpen, Tori’s mom. “Even though we all must do our parts, like wearing masks and socially distancing, it's nice to have a community that can come together and celebrate safely.”

Kids’ Fest was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic. At Saturday’s event, COVID-19 mitigation was followed and included hand-sanitation stations, masks and physical distancing.

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