WTCI, the Tennessee Valley's PBS station, is hosting its annual Family Day on Sunday, Nov. 10, but this year the event also doubles as the kickoff of the station's 50th anniversary celebration.
Family Day will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at the PBS station, 7540 Bonnyshire Drive. The free event will feature character visits with PBS Kids friends, activities, food trucks and entertainment for the whole family.
(Read more: WTCI kicks off 50th anniversary with Family Day)
Children can take part in face painting, games, activities and demonstrations from community education partners. Family Day will include special events celebrating WTCI's anniversary and Big Bird's birthday. There will also be photo-ops with Clifford and Curious George.
Grate Melts Mobile Grill and Kona Ice Tropical Shaved Ice will anchor outside activities with a Chattanooga Fire Department touch-a-truck experience.
Green-screen activities, storybook reading and music will entertain visitors as they tour the PBS station and learn about PBSLearningMedia.org resources.
"Families have been depending on our station for 50 years for education and entertainment," says Bryan Fuqua, WTCI interim president and chief executive officer. "We are honored to invite them to join us in kicking off this exciting anniversary celebration."
For event information: wtcitv.org/familyday.
(Read more: 'Goodness and humor' celebrated as 'Sesame Street' turns 50)
EVENTS THIS WEEKEND
NOV. 8-10
* Christmas Market: Jones Memorial United Methodist Church, 4131 Ringgold Road, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, free, benefits children's ministry. http://jmumc.org/the-christmas-market.
* Foothills Christmas Arts and Crafts Festival: Coffee County Middle School, 3063 Woodbury Highway, Manchester, Tenn., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. CST Saturday, noon-5 p.m. CST Sunday, free; sponsored by Foothills Craft Guild. 931-728-9236.
* Gingerbread Shoppe: Christ United Methodist Church, 8645 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, free. 423-892-9363.
* Holiday Open House: Vinterest Antiques Southside, 2121 Chestnut St., and Hixson, 2105 Northpoint Blvd. Saturday-Sunday. Storewide sales, door prizes for first 20 people in line, giveaways every 30 minutes. 423-498-4825.
* Intertribal Native Festival: City Point Park, 399 First Ave., Dayton, Tenn., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, grand entry at 1 p.m. each day; $5 ages 11 and older, free to veterans, teachers and first responders; Native American crafts and food vendors, dancing. 704-692-0046
* Pioneer Day Open House: Village at Hawk Creek, 345 Johnson School Road, McDonald, Tenn., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, free, living history event with pioneer skill demonstrations and tours of eight log buildings in 1800s village.
* WTCI Family Day: WTCI, 7540 Bonnyshire Drive, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, free. Kickoff celebration for 50th birthdays of WTCI and "Sesame Street" includes photos with PBS Kids characters, green-screen fun, STEM activities, face painting, games, inflatables, entertainment and birthday cake. https://www.wtcitv.org/blogs/news/family-day/.