The event served as a fundraiser for the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation (GFBF), an organization that aims to “help burn survivors in their journey of recovery as well as to prevent others from experiencing the traumatic event of a burn injury,” according to Angela Shields, CEO of the AAAR.

“Our event was fabulous! We had over 400 children attend this year,” said Shields. “Everyone had a great time. It looks like we raised approximately $6,500 this year.”

The “carnival-like atmosphere” featured activity booths manned by various real estate companies and other sponsors. Activities included a dunk tank, a puppet show, bounce houses, face painting and photographs with the University of Georgia Competition Cheerleaders.

The Oconee County Fire Department and the Athens-Clarke County Fire Department were onsite to teach children about fire safety, and the Athens-Clarke County Fire Department had the fire safety house, which is a tool used to help children learn how to escape a house fire. The GFBF hosted mini-fire truck rides.

This year’s event topped last year’s which had more than 300 children and raised more than $8,000 for the GFBF.

photos by REBECCA ROSE/Oconee Leader

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