It was a busy night in Clarkesville, and the Habersham County Fairgrounds were packed with crazy costumes, public safety vehicles, Northeast Georgia families and plenty of candy. The Habersham County E-911 Children’s Fun Fest was in full swing after being canceled last year, and citizens were ready.
“It’s just amazing, it’s [the turnout] pleasantly surprising every year,” Habersham County Emergency Services Director Chad Black said.
Black and Habersham E-911 Director Lynn Smith wondered what the crowds would look like this year with last year’s cancelation due to the pandemic and COVID-19 cases trending downward state-wide. Smith says she worried not as many people would come out— but the crowds this year were just as successful as previous years.
The event, which has been a hit since its start in 2006, brings out thousands. For perspective, in 2019, Smith says more than 8,000 people came out to the Children’s Fun Festival.
The event isn’t just about candy and costumes, though. It’s about helping the community connect with county public safety, first responders and county services.
From the Habersham County Animal Care and Control team to the Habersham County Library System, as well as municipal fire departments and county law enforcement, children and families were able to speak with county officials, ask questions and even see some of the equipment first responders use up-close.
“It’s been great seeing all the families out here— not just the kids, but the adults— all dressed up,” says Habersham County Sheriff Joey Terrell. “Lynn and her folks at E-911 put a lot of hard work into it [the event], and it’s great to see everybody out here enjoying themselves.”
E-911 Children’s Fun Fest photo gallery
