JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
One of Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph's longest-running annual events is just two weeks away.
Now in its 19th year, the 502nd Force Support Squadron's Famaganza is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 11 at the JBSA-Randolph Youth Programs complex, buildings 584 and 585. A free family event open to all Department of Defense cardholders, Famaganza features entertainment, food and information booths.
"Famaganza celebrates the Month of the Military Child," Andrea Black, 502nd FSS youth programs coordinator, said.
The event also showcases JBSA-Randolph's community resources, she said.
"People don't realize all the resources they have here," Black said. "It's a great way to touch so many people at one time."
Booths on Youth Programs' grounds and inside building 585 will provide information about JBSA-Randolph's resources, including helping agencies such as the Military & Family Readiness Center, Military and Family Life counselors, the Family Advocacy Office and Mental Health Flight and the JBSA-Randolph Chapel, as well as the dental clinic and pediatrics, the Boy Scouts, the Toastmasters, the 902nd Security Forces Squadron and JBSA-Randolph Fire Emergency Services.
Information booths will also feature demonstrations, giveaways and activities for children.
Youth Programs' Keystone Club, an organization that builds leaders, will focus on bullying awareness and prevention at its booth, Black said.
"The Keystone Club has a huge presence in the community," she said, noting that club members engaging in activities such as visiting the elderly at an assisted living center and feeding the homeless.
Another returning attraction is San Antonio Dusty Paws, a nonprofit, foster-based rescue organization that will offer shelter dogs for adoption, Black said.
"Last year we had Dusty Paws for the first time," she said. "They had six adoptions, and this year they'll have an 18-foot trailer with even more dogs up for adoption."
Famaganza is entertaining as well as educational.
The outside stage will feature entertainment by former Youth Programs You Got Talent Family and Teen Talent Contest winner Katryna Marttala and singing partner Zander Herrera, who will perform songs from Disney movies; a presentation by Youth Programs' 2015 Youth of the Year Rianna Jackson; and dance, gymnastics and karate demonstrations.
The 902nd SFS will present a military working dog demonstration and a weapons display.
Interactive activities will include a petting zoo, a rock-climbing wall, bungee trampolines, a hamster ball drag race track, a dual bungee run, a joust pit and a basketball shoot-out.
The event will also feature a book sale by Youth Programs' Parent Advisory Council.
For more information or to volunteer, call Black at 652-3298 or email her at andrea.black@us.af.mil.