S
ometimes, the best way to
help a child is simply being
there; it’s a practical truth
for raising kids, and as it happens,
it’s also true of the Foothills Family Festival on April 25.
“The Foothills Festival is centered
around giving back to the children
specifically,” said Teresa Crosson,
secretary and music director of the
festival. “Each child gets a wristband that says
‘Foothills Family Festival’ they can look down
at and say ‘Somebody cared enough to think
about us today.’”
Everything earned from the festival goes to
local organizations that help give children a
fighting chance against sexual and physical
abuse, neglect and unhealthy environments.
Beneficiaries include the Calhoun/Cleburne
Children’s Center, which helps law enforcement and the Department of Human Resources identify problem cases and intervene
on behalf of children involved, and Family
Links, which helps Calhoun County children
grow up in positive environments and avoid
criminal behavior.
The festival includes live music from acts like
the Hutch Edwards Project, food and craft
vendors and plenty of rides and games for
the kids, as well as some unusual surprises
like the Reptile Lady, who has a trailer full of
snakes, lizards and other scaly friends. Every
child that attends is entered into a raffle for
one of several brand new bicycles, which
Crosson says has always been a favorite
event, with one boy falling to his knees and
thanking God when he won a bike, which
he’d never expected to have.
“We consider ourselves successful when we
bring awareness to child abuse and help
stop it,” said Crosson. “If you make one child
feel needed, wanted, loved and secure, then
you’re successful.”
The Foothills Family Festival is April 25 and
starts at 9 AM. Admission is free. For information about the festival and charities involved, to apply for vendor space or to join
the car show, visit www.foothillsfamilyfestival.com for more information. ✻
April 2015
INSIGHT