Habitat for Humanity Chatham-Kent is giving families something fun to do with their kids this fall.
The non-for-profit organization invites Chatham-Kent residents to the Family Fall Festival on Saturday, October 21 from 10am to 2pm at the Chatham Christian School.
Executive Director Nancy McDowell says they decided to host the fundraiser after a local survey identified a lack of family-oriented activities in Chatham-Kent. Habit for Humanity organized focus groups to gain insight into what types of activities families were looking to do with their children.
"Through their feedback, it became apparent that parents were looking for something that was unplugged and basic, with not a lot of electronics and flash. They wanted just good old fashioned fun where they could bring their family together and just create memories," says McDowell.
McDowell says the day will be jam-packed with activities for families to enjoy.
"For your entrance fee you can enjoy four hours of fun that includes games, crafts, and activities. We have some entertainment coming that includes some demonstration teams and a magician. There's also face painting and balloons. You can spiral an apple, you can enjoy a huge 10 ft by 20 ft giant billiards table with soccer balls... we even have geocaching for families so there will be 36 different geocaches hidden," she says.
McDowell adds that children can fill out a passport with stamps each time they complete an activity, which can later be entered in a draw for prizes.
She says all proceeds from the event will go right back into the community through Habitat for Humanity.
"We're a family-based organization. We've been building homes for families and giving them the stability so that they can build strength and a future. Having a family-based event just seemed to make sense, where we can reach out and we can help some other families just have some fun," says McDowell.
McDowell says advance tickets can be purchased until October 20 at ReStore, located at 566 Riverview Dr. in Chatham. Adult advance tickets cost $7 and tickets for children ages 3 to 13 cost $3. Tickets can also be purchased at the event too. Tickets bought the day of the event cost $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Families can purchase hot dogs and hamburgers at the event for lunch.