By Titus Ledbetter III/Staff writer Belvoir Eagle
The Washington D.C. area's military community is invited to kick off the holiday season at the USO's 5th annual Halloween-themed Fall Fest, Oct. 26, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Warrior and Family Center on Fort Belvoir.
Everyone is encouraged to attend the Fall Fest in costume, said K.J. Stevens, USO programs coordinator. There will be a costume contest for both children and adults. More than 1,000 people attended the event last year.
Servicemembers and their Families will be admitted to the event with valid military ID cards, Stevens said.
"It is a morale-boosting event," she said. "It is kind of the opener for holiday programs. It is an opportunity to reach out to the community and to invite them into the USO."
The 20,000 square foot USO Warrior and Family Center opened in 2013 and it is the largest facility the organization has ever constructed. The state-of-the art facility provides programs for servicemembers, wounded warriors and their Families. It was designed to promote physical health, positive mental health, education, employment and community reintegration.
The Fall Fest is a springboard for all of the fall programs that are available at the center, according to Stevens.
The Fall Fest will feature a children's Zumba class, a dance class, and a potato sack race, she said. There will also be a moon bounce and a lot of Halloween themed games, including a spider ring toss. There will be face-painting and giant tricycles.
In honor of the USO's push to encourage healthy eating this year, the event will provide more toys and less candy for children. Popcorn and applesauce will be available. Attendees are encouraged to bring food for a picnic because there will be a picnic area set up at the event.
Heidi's Pantry, run by military spouses in the Fort Belvoir community, will host cooking demonstrations throughout this year's Fall Fest. The USO parking lot will be closed off for a local DJ to play music throughout the event. Nalls Produce will teach those attending about vegetables during the event.
This year, 18 military spouses will also set up displays showcasing their businesses in the multi-purpose room.
"It is really just a day to come out and have fun," Stevens said. "We try to do a little bit for everybody."
The Fall Fest is free for the entire Family. For more information about the event, contact Stevens at KJ@usometro.org.
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