Photo By Cpl. Dominique Osthoff | Families prepare to take off on the hayrides to view the lights at the Exceptional...... read more read more
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The Exceptional Family Member Program’s annual Festival of Lights was held at Mike’s Farm, December 4, 2017.
EFMP has held the Festival of Lights at Mike’s Farm for seven years now.
“This event is one of the most popular events of the year,” said Ali Nelson, the EFMP manager for Marine Corps Community Services, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River. “It’s a way for our families to be able to experience something that’s fun outdoors, but also gives them an opportunity to do it in an accommodating setting.”
Volunteers from MCB Camp Lejeune came to help the EFMP members at the Festival of Lights.
“It’s a good experience to be out here helping with the families,” said Lance Cpl. Ashley Johnston, distribution management office passenger clerk transportation assistant. “It’s enjoyable especially being away from home and because we have a family in the Marine Corps, it’s nice to see other families with special needs really happy.”
The families had a wonderful time at the event. The Smith family enjoyed the festivities with 13 members of their family at the Festival of Lights.
“It’s been fantastic,” said Jacob Smith. “We’re from out of town, and we heard about it. It’s been a great experience so far. The hayride was unbelievable. It’s magical in some way.”
The volunteers had just as much fun as the families.
“I love the lights and everything,” said Johnston. “It’s really good seeing the expressions on the kids’ faces. Their smile is so big and I just really enjoy just seeing everyone happy.”
This year’s Festival of Lights was the largest that EFMP has had.
“We had 298 participants this year,” said Nelson. “Last year we had about 175, so we are very pleased with everybody that showed up for the event. We’re always looking to improve. We’ve definitely been able to support the event with the great group of volunteers, a great staff, so we’ll definitely be coming together with a plan to make it even better for next year.”
| Date Taken: | 12.01.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 12.14.2017 10:47 |
| Story ID: | 258054 |
| Location: | NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 15 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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