AUGUSTA – The Maine Elks Association held the fourth annual Youthfest for disabled and disadvantaged children on Aug. 28 at the Augusta Elks Lodge. The purpose was to provide children with special needs with an opportunity to have a day of fun at no cost to their families.

More than 180 children and family members attended the event, many from organizations that support children, including the Maine Children’s Cancer Program, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kennebec Valley, March of Dimes, John F. Murphy Homes of Auburn and Spurwink School.

Also attending were several children of military families who have a parent serving on active duty overseas. The activities were provided by members of the Maine Elks Association, Massachusetts Elks Association, and Maine State Emblem Clubs.

The children were treated to food, music, games, pony rides, face painting, moon bounce amusements, a soccer shoot, hoop shoot, field games and educational booths.

They were also entertained by Crazy Clownz, Smokey Bear, Sparkey the Fire Dog, McGruff the Crime Dog, Lewie the Mascot from the Lewiston Mainiac’s Hockey Team and the Elks mascot, Elliott the Elk. Feature entertainers were Slugger the Seadog and Rick Charette.

For more information on the Elks, visit www.maineelks.org, or visit a local Elks Lodge.