The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Chattanooga 24th annual Autumn Children’s Festival was to be delayed until 1 p.m. today, Saturday, Oct. 5, and it will run to 6 p.m. It will also be Sunday from 1-5 p.m. at the Tennessee Riverpark on Amnicola Highway.
The festival features activities for children of all ages including: mobile Rolling Video Game Theater, giant inflatables, carnival games with fun prizes, arts and crafts, pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, Ronald McDonald Magic Show, plus health, wellness and educational programs.
Admission and parking are free. Cost of activities ranges from 50 cents to $3. Proceeds benefit families with critically ill and injured children at the Ronald McDonald House.
The Autumn Children’s Festival attracts 3,000 – 3,500 children and families during the two-day event. It generates approximately $50,000 – $55,000 for Chattanooga Ronald McDonald House Charities each year. More than 350 adult and student volunteers from the Greater Chattanooga area help with the event planning, set-up, operation and clean-up of the festival every year. In 2012, the event raised more than $54,000 for the organization which helped pay for operational expenses for Ronald McDonald House and Family Room for approximately 38 days. The daily cost to run both facilities is $1,430 per day.
The Autumn Children’s Festival is sponsored by the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants and supported by many area businesses. Health, wellness and educational activities will be provided by Children’s Hospital at Erlanger, Chattanooga Allergy Clinic, Discovery Point Children’s Center, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, Chattanooga Fire Department, Children’s Advocacy Center, Physicians Care, Cadek Conservatory of Music, Safe & Sound, McKee Bakery, YMCA Yfit and many more. New additions to the festival this year include Chattanooga’s Muenster Truck, Lupi’s Pizza, Kona Ice, Greg Roy’s TaeKwanDo Plus Demo Team, and Artsy U among others.