Youth Activities Center hosts Military Family Appreciation Carnival

Other activities included face painting courtesy of the NAS Jax Fleet and Family Support Center, free cotton candy courtesy of the Youth Activities Center (YAC) and cookie decorating offered by the NAS Jax Child Development Center.

"We're out here in support of military families. We've had a lot of activity today. We've had lines non-stop for face painting and we also have poster board where we've asked children to draw their military families. One child wrote 'Thanks for fighting for my freedom.' This really represents why we are here today," said Child Therapist Carol Miller. "It's a beautiful day and this is such a great event."

Two-year-old Aiden Finnerty enjoys the music as he dances with his red balloon.

Some of the new activities at this year's carnival included special appearances by the mascots of the Jacksonville Jam basketball team who got the crowd involved in numerous dance routines and performances by dancers of the Social Affair Dance Studio. The children also enjoyed getting free balloons and candy at the various booths as they took a break from the games and more strenuous activities. "This carnival is really fun. I think the best part of the carnival was kicking the soccer ball into the holes," said 6-year-old Jaida Murray. "I also liked the cotton candy."

"This is great, especially the rock climbing wall. It was hard, but I actually made it to the top once. This carnival is much better than the last one. I loved the rock climbing wall," said 13-year-old Alexander Stoetzer. Overall, the carnival was a huge success and hundreds of kids and parents left with smiles on their faces. "This year's event went really well. We had a lot more entertainment this year. We just wanted to offer something free for the whole family so they could come out and spend some time together and because it's Military Appreciation Month," said YAC Director Megan Elliot.

The event was sponsored by VyStar Credit Union Morrison Homes, Social Affair Dance Studio,Jacksonville Jam basketball team, Home Depot and the Jacksonville Suns baseball team.

Members of Navy Band Southeast perform some special tunes for the crowd.

The next celebration for military children will be in April to recognize the Month of the Military Child.

Neither MWR, nor the U.S. Navy or any other part of the federal government officially endorses any company, sponsor or its products or services.

Trenelle Houston, 3, tries to throw a ball through the holes to make a score.

Rebeca Ovadia and Stephen White from the Social Affair Dance Studio perform during the Military Family Appreciation Carnival. Photo by Shannon Leonard