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GFAFB hosts Beautiful Child Photo Shoot and Activity Fair

  • Published
  • By Tim Flack
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Base officials welcomed a record-sized crowd at the April 3, 2012, Beautiful Child Photo Shoot and Activity Fair.

Pamela Schumaker, Family Child Care coordinator with the Child and Youth Program, said 328 visitors attended the annual fair to commemorate Month of the Military Child and Child Abuse Prevention Month.

She also thanked the 68 people who worked to make it happen.

"What an amazing event you all helped to deliver ... the activities and performances you put together were outstanding," Schumaker said.

The event, which took place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the base's Liberty Square, was sponsored by various helping agencies on the base.

Attendees packed the square while visiting information booths, many of which provided hands-on activities for the children, and watched martial arts and dance performances.

David Frisch, Drug Demand Reduction Program Manager for the base, said the event offered a fun way to address a serious subject with families.

"We get the word out about substance abuse," Frisch said. "We can show young kids ... there are better things to do."

Capt. James Davern praised the event.

"It's great that we put this on for the families," Davern said.

Staff Sgt. Aaron Mills and Senior Airman Betsy Mills brought their son, 1-year-old Landon, to have his photo taken as part of the Beautiful Child Photo Shoot.

Landon was just one of 88 children, all 5-years or younger, to have a portrait taken for free during the fair. The photos will be displayed at the Community Activity Center with various awards.

Staff Sgt. Mills said he's hoping his son earns one award: "I'll say cutest smile," Mills joked.

Like many parents in attendance, Mills said he wanted to learn more about the community.

"I just like to see what all they have for the kids," he said.

Booths included crafts and jewelry making; cookie decorating; medical and dental health activities; healthy snacks; and child identification kit registration.