With this weekend expected to be busy with activity throughout Carter County, one nonprofit organization is hoping to raise some awareness near Elizabethton High School.

The Kids Like Us Community Learning Center will host the inaugural Harvest Festival celebration on Saturday, Sept. 15, near the Northeast Community Credit Union office located on Jason Witten Way.

It is a community wide initiative but Lisa Lyons, Kids Like Us founder, said NECCU has played a pivotal role in helping the facility’s growth. Kids Like Us has served as a safe learning environment for children and young adults with special needs from all across the Tri-Cities.

Nestled around the NECCU location, various activities are scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. including craft vendors, live music, games, beauty pageants and other family-friendly items.

One addition to this year’s event is the Harvest Festival pageant.

Check-in time is scheduled from 10:30 to 10:45 a.m. and there will be nine age groups. Lyons indicated that those wanting to participate are asked to dress in their favorite fall attire or favorite character. Applications can be obtained via email at kidslikeuscommunity@gmail.com or through the Kids Like Us Community Learning Center Facebook.

Another highly anticipated addition is the event’s chili cookoff. Judging begins at 3 p.m. and people can enter for a $10 entry fee. For those in attendance, $2 will allow you to test and judge.

Kids Like Us offers a community learning center that provides children and young adults with special needs a chance to learn how to enjoy themselves in a positive atmosphere, along with friends, family and loved ones. Lyons said the goal of the facility is to always promote togetherness and community members from all walks of life are invited to stop by and see what the facility has to offer for the Tri-Cities region.

For more information of how to get involved in any part of the event, contact Lyons at (423) 470-3410 or Tammy Buchanan at (423) 552-6811.

It is all about establishing a tradition for the future, Lyons said. The goal of the events is to build up longevity to allow more funds to enter the facility to grow the Kids Like Us reach within the region. Representatives from the organization were able to spread the message of Kids Like Us over the weekend for the Night of Worship at Covered Bridge Park, which reportedly drew a lot of attention.

Volunteer opportunities and classes are still available through the program. Individuals can contact Lyons or visit the organization’s social media accounts for more details.