Lauren Alaina took time out of her hectic schedule to headline and join in some of the kid fun at the annual Family Day event in Nashville, benefiting the T.J. Martell Foundation, on Saturday (Oct. 29).

Kids of all ages flocked to the Curb Event Center at Belmont University where they hopped in moon bounce castles, played various activities and went trick-or-treating at the candy-filled booths set up in the arena. Alaina herself couldn’t help but join in on some of the fun, as she popped up in the middle of a group of children dancing at one point during the day. Kids were also treated to complimentary ice cream from sponsor Baskin Robbins. Dunkin Donuts also let kids decorate their own pastries.

Trace Adkins and his family were on hand for the event, where they were honored with the T.J. Martell Family Achievement Award for his success in the entertainment industry and strength of their family through challenges of public and private life. Predators Coach Barry Trotz and his family were also honored with the Spirit Award for keeping the spirit of Nashville alive.

To close out the afternoon festivities, Alaina treated fans to a 30-minute performance of some of the songs found on her newly-released debut album, ‘Wildflower,’ including her current single, ‘Georgia Peaches.’ In addition to Alaina’s performance, there was plenty of other kid-friendly entertainment including a dance team and fashion show.

Besides ticket sales, more funds were raised on Saturday for the T.J. Martell Foundation through a silent auction, which included various airfare packages to Las Vegas for a Charlie Daniels Band concert and a trip to DisneyWorld.

“When I was asked to come and perform today, I was really excited because it’s all about leukemia and cancer,” Alaina told Taste of Country prior to taking the stage. “[Years ago], my cousin Holly had a brain tumor. When someone has cancer, it’s not just that one person, it affects everyone. It’s like the whole family gets cancer, really. It affects every one of you. I was 12 years old when I found out that Holly had cancer.

“Neither one of us had sisters, so we were like raised together,” the former ‘American Idol’ star continued. “She was like my older sister. Everything that she did, I wanted to do. I wanted to be just like her. I was the last person in the family to find out because they knew that I was going to like freak out. Nobody really told me. They were talking, and I overheard it. That subject and anything that has to do with it really touches my heart because I know first hand how it feels for somebody in your family to be sick. You feel helpless and there’s nothing you can do. Holly is now cancer-free. She has been cancer-free for a few years now.”

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