posted September 9, 2008
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Chattanooga will hold its 19th Annual Autumn Children's Festival on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 5, from 1-5 p.m. at the Tennessee Riverpark on Amnicola Highway.
Children of all ages will enjoy more than 100 carnival games with prizes, arts and crafts, pony rides, a petting zoo, Ronald McDonald magic show, face painting, free Mayfield ice cream, costumed characters: Winnie the Pooh, Sully and Smokey the Bear, plus health, wellness and educational programs.
The event will also include free bike helmets will be given to the first 500 kids at the festival each day, compliments of McMahan Law Firm; World of Sports five-sided game featuring soccer, football, baseball, basketball, dart and Frisbee; 35 foot Pinball Mega Slide, G-Rock Obstacle Slide Combo; 3-in-1 Spiderman, free movie tickets compliments of Volunteer State Health Plan, plus Krispy Kreme Donuts.
Admission and parking are free. Cost of activities ranges from 50 cents to $3.
Autumn Children's Festival is sponsored by the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants.
All proceeds benefit families with critically ill and injured children at Chattanooga Ronald McDonald House.
Health, wellness and educational activities will be provided by: Volunteer State Health Plan, Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park, Discovery Toys, Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, SmartMoovz: Smartmoovz is a low impact exercise program for children, Junior League of Chattanooga, Hamilton County Rescue, Hamilton County Fire, Humane Educational Society, READ 20, STEP ONE, Chattanooga Parks & Recreation, T. C. Thompson Children's Hospital, Cover Kids, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Cadek Conservatory of Music- Kindermusik, Hixson Family Chiropractic, Children's Advocacy Center and Covenant Transport
The Autumn Children's Festival attracts 3,000–3,500 families and children during the two-day event. It generates approximately $30,000–$35,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities each year. More than 450 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 2007, the event raised more than $35,000 for the organization which helped pay for operational expenses for Ronald McDonald House and Family Room for approximately 24 days. The daily cost to run both facilities is $1,430 per day.
| Dining Out | Business | Movies | Focus | About Us |
| Church | Living Well | Memories | Outdoors | Real Estate | Student Scene | Travel |