Museum of Aviation to offer snow tubes, jumps at Winter Wonderfest

Children in the South love the snow. Due to popular demand, the third annual Winter Wonderfest will bring in three snow tubes this year, Saturday and Sunday, at the Museum of Aviation.

Two 65-foot slides and one slightly smaller one will be available for children as well as adults to slide down.

The snow slide uses a hose to spray the ice on the slide. The tubes are designed to minimize anyone getting wet during their slide down the snow.

"It's a big draw because we don't see that here," said Jenny Maas, financial manager at the museum.

Another draw is the Stuntz Jump, a four-story free fall drop for ages 7 and older.

Participants climb onto a platform and jump into a giant air-filled pillow four stories below. Both children and adults take part in the jumps.

Because of the response the event has garnered, parking will be across Ga. 247 at Anchor Glass.

Festival organizers also have added new attractions, so there will be even more to do during the two-day event.

Elsa and Olaf from the movie "Frozen" will make an appearance both days, and there will be pony rides, a petting zoo and a trackless train.

More than 30 vendors will be set up indoors, selling everything from clothing and face painting to jewelry and books.

Vendors will be set up in the Eagle building and Hangar One.

There also will be food truck vendors selling unique meatballs, cheesecake and hot dogs.

"There are food vendors for any type of price range," Maas said.

Last year, armband sales totaled 1,700, and Maas estimated there were 4,000 people who attended the two-day festival. This benefits the MOA Foundation and the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame.

Maas expects a good turnout this year and that the attendance number will be higher than last year.

Volunteers are still needed to help with recovering snow tubes and checking armbands. At least a dozen or more people are needed, Maas said.

The festival is open Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Armbands include everything except vendors, and food and prices are based on children's ages. The price for age 6 and under is $12, which includes snow tubing, horse rides, bounce houses, a meeting with Elsa, rock climbing wall and guided snow ride around museum. The price for age 7 and older is $15, which includes all of the above plus Stunt Jumpz.

Entrance into the museum is free.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Maas at 478-926-2791 or jenny.maas@museumofaviation.org.

This story was originally published January 27, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Museum of Aviation to offer snow tubes, jumps at Winter Wonderfest ."