The second floor of the uptown Department of Veterans Affairs Center was bursting with activity Thursday with about 300 patients participating in the 36th annual Fall Festival.

"When your life revolves around treatment, you have to have something else; this is their something else," said Denise Whitten, a recreational therapist at the hospital.

The festival had a carnival atmosphere with games such as a ball toss, sinking a pool shot and shooting at a target.

For many years, members of North Augusta's American Legion Post 71 have volunteered at the festival by running the pool-table game.

Patients received a half-dollar coin for their efforts.

"You see it on the guys' faces," said Legionnaire Raymond Deal. "They really enjoy it."

More than 200 volunteers from 25 civic and veterans organizations, including Veterans of Foreign Wars, Salvation Army, Exchange Club of Augusta and the Elks, prepared games and food.

Ms. Whitten said the event is especially good for the older, long-term-care patients.

"They do look forward to it. It's a highlight for them," she said.

For patients in the Alzheimer's and dementia ward, the festival might jog memories of their youth, Ms. Whitten said.

About 17 sailors from Fort Gordon's Naval Security Group served as buddies for the Alzheimer's and dementia patients. They spent the day escorting the patients to the activities.

There's not enough staff to escort all the patients who need it, said Chief Petty Officer Kenneth Paulsen, explaining why they volunteered to work at the festival.

It means a lot to those patients to see the active-duty military personnel supporting them, he said.

"They remember the uniform," he said.

Reach Charmain Z. Brackett at czbrackett@hotmail.com.