Annual Taunton Family Festival is Saturday

WEWAHITCHKA — Diana Taunton has many “brothers and sisters” and she plans to see some of them Saturday at the fourth annual Taunton Family Festival.

The festival is the only fundraiser for the Taunton Family Children’s Home. Judge David Taunton and his wife Abigail began caring for children in 1979. Eventually the household grew to include as many as 45 children.

“I’m 34 now and still don’t know how to describe this place,” Diana Taunton said. “Is it an orphanage? Children’s home? No, I just have a lot of ‘brothers and sisters.’ “

Diana Taunton was adopted in 1980 and was one of three children the Tauntons adopted.

She has come back to the property and is now taking over as a caregiver at the largest of the three homes on the property with David and Abigail Taunton moving into a smaller home.

She said she is looking to grow the occupancy of the home to about 45 children. The Taunton Children’s Home does not receive any government assistance and relies on private donations and the family festival to continue operations.

Diana Taunton said about 300 children have passed through the property. She went to college at the same time as 13 others who came through the home; she expects many of them, from as far away as Texas and New York, to come to the festival on Saturday.

She said about 800 people attended the event last year, raising about $30,000, which is the target for this year’s event. The event already has between 8,000 and 10,000 sponsors.

Brian Baber is an event organizer and board member for the children’s home. He said the festival is operating differently this year. The purchase of a $15 short sleeve shirt or a $20 long sleeve shirt qualifies participants for all of the different competitions. Events include a 5K at 8 a.m., beach volleyball at 10 a.m., the amazing race obstacle course at 10 a.m. and basketball sharp shooter competition.

Diana Taunton said the amazing race was a popular event last year, drawing 150 participants despite a steady drizzle. There are three competitive tiers for the obstacle course relay race warriors, families and rookies. There also are activities with no registration required like putt-putt, bocce ball, Frisbee golf and bouncy houses.

Baber said the festival serves two purposes besides raising money: providing a homecoming event for former Taunton home children and giving contributors a chance to see the facilities they helped build.

“We knew early on how blessed we were,” Diana Taunton said. “We could not have left here without being touched.”

Want To Go?

-What: Taunton Family Festival

-When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday

-Where: 200 Taunton Family Road, Wewahitchka

-Why: Fundraiser for Taunton Family Children’s Home

-Details: tauntonhome.net