Annual kids’ fair offers information, lots of fun

If you like prizes and fun, the annual Safe and Healthy Kids Fair at Homer High is the place to be from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.

The free event aims to promote healthy living to kids and teens, as well as other family members. The event will feature more than 30 booths and stations with hands-on activities and demonstrations, according to a press release from South Peninsula Hospital. 

For starters, the parking lot will host a bike rodeo from 10 a.m. to noon. Kids also can get their bikes inspected and purchase discounted helmets. In addition to the rodeo, a drunk-driving simulator will be in the parking lot throughout the day. 

Sprout is hosting a room for younger children, said Haven House violence prevention coordinator Tara Schmidt. There will also be a teen room for the first time, where teens can listen to music and spoken word poetry. Dr. Sarah Spencer of South Peninsula Hospital will give a talk about drug use and how to help friends in need at 1 p.m. in the teen room.

Teens who visit the teen room will be entered into a drawing for a mountain bike and tablet, separate from the main door grand prize raffle. Bicycles for every age group will be raffled off as the main door grand prize, Schmidt said. In addition to the raffle, door prizes of passes for movies and other activities will be given out. 

Lunch will be available for purchase at the fair. For those looking for a creatively healthy meal, there will be a smoothie bike — a bicycle that powers a blender to make smoothies, Schmidt said.

Other attractions include dog safety information, a teddy bear clinic, hearing tests, face painting, water safety, and visits from Smokey Bear and Safety Seal.

In the spirit of health and safety, Homer residents also are encouraged to participate in National Drug Take Back Day on April 30. Schmidt said. Drugs of any kind — prescription, over-the-counter, illegal, expired, unused and unwanted drugs, including prescription drugs for pain (like opioids), ointments, vitamins, samples and even medications for pets — can be dropped off at the Homer Police Department. The drug drop box in the station’s entrance lobby can be used to dispose of drugs at any time on any day, no questions asked.