MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The smell of popcorn, the sound of laughter and the sight of children’s faces covered with snow cones could all be seen during Camp Pendleton’s 16th Annual Kid’s First Fair hosted by the base’s Marine Corps Community Services, April 30, in front of the Paige Fieldhouse.

Camp Pendleton’s Eagle Young Marines kicked off the event with a presentation of the colors and the singing of the national anthem. Col. Nicholas F. Marano, the base’s commanding officer was also there to welcome the crowd.

The event, which catered to more than 500 of the base’s youth, featured numerous free events and activities such as, Zumba lessons, a martial arts demonstration, rock-climbing walls, dunk tanks, inflatable slides, face painting stands, arts and crafts booths, a petting zoo and pony rides to name a few.

“There are so many activities the base has put together for my family to do today,” said Hannah Ulrich, a Navy spouse and resident of Camp Pendleton. “The only problem is I’m not sure there is going to be enough time in the day to do everything we see.”

During the event, numerous MCCS program representatives were also available to offer their services to attendees and inform them of how they can assist with their military needs.

Programs such as the Exceptional Family Member Program, Semper Fit, Youth and Teen program Marine and Family Services, Base Recycling and base Counseling Services filled the parking lot at the Paige Fieldhouse to offer information on their services.

“Its amazing at how many programs Pendleton has to offer the base’s military families,” said Sgt. Tom Ihrig, data clerk, 1st Marine Logistics Group, Camp Pendleton. “It gives you a very secure feeling knowing that if you and your family are going through struggles you always have the base’s programs to turn to for help.”

To conclude the evening festivities, a raffle for parents and children was conducted. Prizes such as BMX bikes for boys and girls and gift baskets containing household goods for parents were all given to attendees enrolled in the raffle.

“This is a perfect way to end such a great time, because everybody, no matter how old, loves prizes,” said Ulrich. “The only problem I can see is having to wait another year for this again.”