JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Team Andrews Youth Center, Chapel and Liberty Park members will host the 2013 Annual Family Fest Rodeo fitness and fun event April 20, slated to be held at the West Fitness Center outdoor field here, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In 1986, Secretary Caspar W. Weinberger, the serving Secretary of Defense designated each April as "The Month of The Military Child," to show children are appreciated.
"We'll be holding a free holistic family event with free food, entertainment, inflatables, face painting and chances to win door prizes," said Vincent O. Eure, Youth Program director. "Typically there are more than 400 participants in the event."
The event will also feature a best cowboy and cowgirl costume contest, a youth of the year presentation, an America's kids run and more.
Additionally, the Family Fest event will be held in collaboration with the Inaugural JBA
Half Marathon sponsored by the Chiefs Group and a barbecue sponsored by the Sexual Assault Response coordinator office.
The free event is meant to provide a fun day for all families; however deployed families are encouraged to attend.
"I think it's important to recognize the military child," said Eure. "Children in the military deal with the same emotions service members and spouses deal with, such as deployments, wounded warriors and frequent relocations. It's a great thing there is a whole month of recognition of the military child, from infants on to kids in college. We will continue supporting them with programs and opportunities to let them know they're thought of. It is an important thing to keep this going."
For more information about the 2013 Family Fest event, call (301) 981-5636.