AUGUSTA – The Maine Elks Association will hold pre-teen Youthfest 2004 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, at the Augusta Elks Lodge, rain or shine.

The event is open to pre-teen children who are disabled or disadvantaged, or children of military families who have a parent serving on active duty overseas. The purpose is to provide the special children with a day of fun and entertainment at no cost to their families.

Several children’s organizations have been invited to attend, including the Maine Children’s Cancer Program, area Big Brother/Big Sister organizations, Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers, Androscoggin Head Start, Pine Tree Society, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, Spurwink School, Salvation Army, Maine Special Olympics and the March of Dimes, as well as many other organizations that support disabled and disadvantaged children.

In addition, the program is open to children of families who have a parent serving on active duty overseas, as well as children and grandchildren of the Elks.

The day will feature carnival games, face painting, pony rides, field games, a hoop shoot, soccer shoot, music, animated characters, clowns, bounce houses, a bicycle drawing, food and fun.

“Slugger the Seadog” of the Portland Seadogs will visit and Rick Charette will present a concert. The event is free as a community service of the Maine Elks Association.

An organization that supports children who are disabled or disadvantaged or anyone who has a child who is disabled or disadvantaged who would like to attend should call Wayne or Kathleen Cotterly at 998-2282 or Bob Drisko at 582-6659. For more information on the association, visit www.maineelks.org.