MIDDLEBURG — Local children enjoyed some fun in the sun at Saturday's annual Easter Carnival. 

The event, which American Legion Post 250 hosted, was one of entertainment and meaning. The veteran organization, made up of over 1,500 members, offers a calendar of events designed to support and engage military families all year long.

Children 12 years old and under arrived to find a lawn filled with carnival games, bounce houses and a blue sky riddled with bubbles.

Long lines of attendees awaited to get plates of food; some faces were painted with intricate designs and ate flavorful snow cones, while other participants splashed around on the waterslide and posed for a photo-op with the Easter Bunny.

As April is designated the Month of the Military Child, President of the Auxiliary Sherry James said the event also aimed to raise funds for Operation 300, a Florida-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting children who have lost a parent in military service. 

The program provides a weekend-long adventure camp, where each child is paired with a mentor and takes part in bonding activities they may have done with their parents. 

James said Post 350 has been raising funds since around February, from sponsors and raffles to baskets.

Additionally, while children’s lunches were free, James said donations from the $5 adult lunches also went toward the cause. 

The event also had a waterslide.

The event benefits Operation 300, a nonprofit dedicated to serving children of the fallen.

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Second Vice Commander Julie Paget said the organization had already raised nearly $7,000. 

All in all, James said this year’s carnival was a success. 

“We've had just today almost 200 kids,” she said. 

The Post Legion will present the organization with an official check at their June convention.

While kids' lunches were free, lunches for adults were $5.