Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Chattanooga will host its 23rd Annual Autumn Children’s Festival on Saturday, Oct. 6, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 7, 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 prizes, arts and crafts, pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, Ronald McDonald Magic Show, costumed character appearances, 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.
Autumn Children’s Festival is sponsored by the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants and supported by many area businesses. Health, wellness & educational activities provided by: Children’s Hospital at Erlanger, Chattanooga Allergy Clinic, Discovery Toys, Chattanooga Fire Department, Cadek Conservatory of Music- Kindermusik, Safe & Sound, Learning RX Chattanooga , Costco, McKee Bakery, Suntrust Bank, YMCA YFit and many more.
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 2011, the event raised more than $52,000 for the organization which helped pay for operational expenses for Ronald McDonald House and Family Room for approximately 36 days. The daily cost to run both facilities is $1,430 per day.