The Ronald McDonald House of Chattanooga may be closed for an estimated four months for renovations, but its 22nd annual Autumn Children's Festival will go on as planned at the Tennessee Riverpark Saturday, Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 2 from 1-5 p.m.
Volunteer Jayne Holder, right, helps a 2010 Ronald McDonald House Autumn Children's Festival attendee register for a door prize. This year's festival is at Tennessee Riverpark Oct. 1-2."We have more than 100 different activities families and kids will enjoy," RMH of Chattanooga manager of marketing and public relations Chinyere Ubamadu said of the event organized in partnership with the Tennessee Society of CPAs. "It's a great way to enjoy a fall weekend; besides, the fun they'll have is helping a local cause and helping families who have a critically ill or injured child in the hospital."
Admission and parking are free for the event, with the only charges being nominal fees of 50 cents to $3 each for the majority of activities. Popular attractions during previous years' events include a petting zoo, face painting, arts and crafts, pumpkin decorating and inflatables such as the 35-foot pinball mega slide.
"The great thing about the festival is it is now the longest-running [local] festival for children, and families come out to enjoy the same activities as the year before," said Ubamadu. "It's become a highly anticipated event."
A mobile video game trailer was added last year, and new for 2011 is free allergy testing from Chattanooga Allergy Clinic.
Other activities and treats for families to enjoy free of charge include Mayfield ice cream, a magic show performed by Ronald McDonald Oct. 1 at noon and the chance to meet Star Wars characters. The festival will also feature a toddler activity area just for the festival's youngest guests.
The money raised through corporate sponsorships and ticket sales for activities goes back to the local RMH. Each year the event typically raises $35,000 to $40,000, enough to operate the house for about one month for an average of 15 guests with children at Erlanger, said Ubamadu.
While the house is closed to remove mold and prevent further issues with HVAC upgrades in the building, RMH continues to offer services through its Family Room on Erlanger's third floor. Open to families with children in the hospital, the Family Room provides snacks and a place to do laundry, take showers, watch TV or use the Internet.