May 05, 2008
‘Playing It Safe! A Family Safety Fair' to Feature New Safety Activities, Characters, Bicycle Rodeo, Free Hamburger Lunch and More!
May 5, 2008
Carle Foundation Hospital and Champaign County SAFE KIDS will for the 12th consecutive year sponsor "Playing It Safe! A Family Safety Fair" on Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Champaign County Fairgrounds. Admission and all activities are free.
More than 40 interactive learning stations and exhibits will focus on safety awareness for the entire family. New this year is the Illinois Child Identification Program (CHIP), sponsored by Champaign-area Masonic lodges. CHIP provides parents with a complete child identification package, much of which is contained on a take-home CD. The CHIP program includes a color photograph, DNA sample (through a saliva cheek swab), fingerprints and a recorded video interview.
Another new activity this year is "Grandparent Safety," which will explain the signs and symptoms of a stroke and heart attack. Other new activities include a farm safety puppet show, railroad safety, the Champaign Public Library's Book Mobile, and bicycle safety inspections. Attendees are encouraged to bring their bikes to the fair.
The first 1,500 people, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., will receive a free hamburger and chips courtesy of Sonic Drive-In and Carle Foundation Hospital. Other food vendors also will be on hand. A lunch-time stage show is a new attraction this year, and will include a fire safety puppet show and a storyteller from Barnes & Noble.
This year's event will once again feature AirLife, Carle Foundation Hospital's medical transport helicopter. AirLife is expected to be on display for a close-up view; however, the aircraft and crew will stand ready to respond to medical emergencies that day.
Here's a sampling of the many other interactive learning stations that will be at Playing It Safe: Build your own first-aid kit; learn water safety from Hans and Swampy; tour fire trucks; participate in the Gear Up Games, Safety Olympics and Bicycle Rodeo; experience a fire safety severe weather house; earn a ride down a giant slide; participate in bicycle helmet fitting, and much more. Costume characters will be on hand to meet kids.
At the safety fair, parents can learn about Internet safety, poison prevention, food allergy awareness, childproofing your home, how to prepare for a disaster situation and more. Car seat safety checks also will be available.
There is no attendance fee and all activities are free. Reduced price bicycle helmets and additional concessions will be available for a charge. For more information about Playing It Safe, please contact Sylvia Warnock at (217) 898-8457.