The annual “Safe Kids Fair” is taking a new twist this year, expanding the umbrella of topics to include health and wellness
In addition, the fair will offer attractions for both young and older children. Titled “Safe and Healthy Kids Fair,” this year’s event will be from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at Homer High School. It offers attractions for kids up to 14 years old.
An annual tradition, this fair uses demonstrations and hands-on activities to engage kids in subjects related to safety, health and wellness.
Outdoor attractions include the Bike Rodeo from 10 a.m.-noon, where kids can bring their bike for a summer “tune up” and learn some basic biking safety tips. Helmets are required and available for purchase on site.
Abandoned bicycles claimed by the police department throughout the year will be available for purchase by donation.
Also in the parking lot will be impaired driving exercises, allowing students to wear goggles and drive a vehicle which simulates just how poor one’s vision, depth perception and reaction times are while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Inside the high school commons, fair-goers will find activity stations and tables on subjects ranging from dog safety, boating safety and immunizations, to dental health, coping techniques, developmental milestones and Internet safety.
Attractions include a hand-washing station to see what can be missed when washing hands, a teddy bear clinic to learn what might happen on a trip to the local doctor’s office, child hearing and vision checks, mini-magic shows and more.
New this year will be ongoing activities in the gymnasium to keep kids moving during their visit to the fair. Floor hockey, soccer, softball, life jacket relays and more will be offered in 30-minute increments throughout the day.
Numerous summer programs will be offering sign ups at the fair, and door prizes will be given away every half hour. Grand prizes of a tricycle and two bicycles will be given away at 2 p.m.
Refreshments will be available for purchase, and several favorite local “characters” will be there, including Safety Seal.
The fair is provided by a coalition of local agencies promoting child safety and wellness, and coordinated by Haven House.For more information visit www.sphosp.org or contact Ingrid Harrald at Haven House at 235-7712.
