Hundreds of children hunt for eggs at tenth annual Family Fest

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joe McFadden
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
More than 2,500 people hunted for eggs, toured craft and game booths and enjoyed outdoor performance shows at the tenth annual Family Fest and Egg Hunt at the Hurlburt Field Community Park April 3.

The event was coordinated by the 1st Special Operations Force Support Squadron and sponsoring agencies for family entertainment during the holiday weekend.

Maj. Lamont Coleman, 1st Special Operations Force Support Squadron commander, said the event turnout was outstanding.

"This was all about the family and the kids," Major Coleman said. "It was amazing, and even the weather was nice, too."

He also said the fest's purpose during the Month of the Air Force Child tied directly into the Year of the Air Force Family.

"We want to make sure we establish a good opportunity for children to not only enjoy this event but to know we're here for them," he said.

To start the festivities, Col. Greg Lengyel, 1st Special Operations Wing commander, and his wife Diane signed respective proclamations declaring April as both the Month of the Air Force Child and Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The sound of a loud horn signaled the beginning of the egg hunt for more than 1,500 children in four separate locations according to age. Within a minute, the children snatched up nearly 16,000 candy and treat-filled eggs.

During the fest, children were issued special passports and collected stickers by visiting booths for various organizations, like the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Program and the base Fire Department. They also posed for pictures with characters like the Easter Bunny and Marty the Marlin.

Throughout the event, families enjoyed the guest entertainment including a WWII era variety dance program and a fire juggler.

More than 100 volunteers helped run the booths, hide the eggs and set-up equipment for this year's event.

"My thanks to all the volunteers and sponsoring agencies for making this possible," said Jessica Epps, 1st SOFSS community programmer. "If it wasn't for them, it wouldn't have been as great as it was today."