Military Children's Carnival 2017

Col. Houston Cantwell, the 49th Wing commander, welcomes family and friends to the Military Children’s Carnival on April 22, 2017 at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. The carnival followed the Run for the Pieces, a fun run and walk that aimed to raise awareness for children that are on the autism spectrum. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ilyana A. Escalona)

Col. Houston Cantwell, the 49th Wing commander, welcomes family and friends to the Military Children’s Carnival on April 22, 2017 at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. The carnival followed the Run for the Pieces, a fun run and walk that aimed to raise awareness for children that are on the autism spectrum. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ilyana A. Escalona)

The Youth and Teen Center hosted Run for the Pieces, a fun run and walk that aimed to raise awareness for children that are on the autism spectrum on April 22, 2017 at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. Hundreds of adults and children participated in the run to support Autism Awareness. (U.S. Air Force by Airman 1st Class Ilyana A. Escalona)

The Youth and Teen Center hosted Run for the Pieces, a fun run and walk that aimed to raise awareness for children that are on the autism spectrum on April 22, 2017 at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. Hundreds of adults and children participated in the run to support Autism Awareness. (U.S. Air Force by Airman 1st Class Ilyana A. Escalona)

The Youth and Teen Center hosted the Military Children’s Carnival on April 22, 2017 at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. The carnival included bounce houses, bike races, a dunk tank and a DJ providing live entertainment. Inside the center were balloon animal stations, glitter tattoo stations and a fun photo booth. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ilyana A. Escalona)

The Youth and Teen Center hosted the Military Children’s Carnival on April 22, 2017 at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. The carnival included bounce houses, bike races, a dunk tank and a DJ providing live entertainment. Inside the center were balloon animal stations, glitter tattoo stations and a fun photo booth. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ilyana A. Escalona)

The Youth and Teen Center hosted Run for the Pieces, a fun run and walk that aimed to raise awareness for children that are on the autism spectrum on April 22, 2017 at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. The run was followed by carnival-style events including face paintings, balloon animal crafting and a fun photo booth. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ilyana A. Escalona)

The Youth and Teen Center hosted Run for the Pieces, a fun run and walk that aimed to raise awareness for children that are on the autism spectrum on April 22, 2017 at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. The run was followed by carnival-style events including face paintings, balloon animal crafting and a fun photo booth. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ilyana A. Escalona)

The Youth and Teen Center hosted the Military Children’s Carnival on April 22, 2017 at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. The carnival included bounce houses, bike races, a dunk tank and a DJ providing live entertainment. Inside the center were balloon animal stations, glitter tattoo stations and a fun photo booth. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ilyana A. Escalona)

The Youth and Teen Center hosted the Military Children’s Carnival on April 22, 2017 at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. The carnival included bounce houses, bike races, a dunk tank and a DJ providing live entertainment. Inside the center were balloon animal stations, glitter tattoo stations and a fun photo booth. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ilyana A. Escalona)

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --

The Youth and Teen Center hosted the Military Children’s Carnival and an Autism Awareness fun run on April 22, 2017 at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.

“This is the third carnival we have hosted,” said LaurieAnn Goodier, the 49th Force Support Squadron school liaison officer. “Last year we had about 450 participants, including volunteers and staff, but this year we almost doubled that number with about 845 participants.”

The carnival is an event that has been renowned for years as a celebration of military children.

“When their parents serve, they serve too and should be celebrated for that,” said Goodier.

Autism awareness month was first recognized on base three years ago. Tying autism awareness with month of the military child allowed for a celebration of both.

“There are children on base that are on the autism spectrum and are still military children,” said Goodier. “That should be recognized.”

The carnival featured Run for the Pieces, a fun run and walk that aimed to raise awareness for children and adults living with autism.

Run for the Pieces was followed by family events including face paintings, balloon animal stations and a photo booth. The carnival also had bounce houses, bike races, a dunk tank and a DJ providing live entertainment.

“This is such a great event and was really successful,” said Maura Solis, the 49th FSS Air Force Aid Society officer. “I’m so thankful that the Youth and Teen Center allowed for this to happen, great fun for the kids!”