News Room

May 30, 2008

Stage performances added to June 7 ‘Playing It Safe' event

May 30, 2008 

This year's 12th annual "Playing It Safe" event, sponsored by Carle Foundation Hospital and Safe Kids Champaign County, will feature a variety of new activities, including lunch-time stage performances. Playing It Safe is Saturday, June 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Champaign County Fairgrounds. Admission and all activities are free.

Stage performances will include:

  • A Fire Safety Show (sponsored by Urbana Fire Rescue), 11:15-11:45 a.m. & 12:15-12:45 p.m. Enjoy a puppet show, music and skits. The skits will focus on various aspects of fire safety, featuring firefighter Phillip Edwards and his popular Stop, Drop and Roll rap.
  • A story teller (sponsored by Barnes & Noble), 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. & 12:45-1:15 p.m. The story teller will be reading children's books and telling stories related to personal safety.

Playing It Safe will feature approximately 50 interactive learning stations and exhibits to promote safety awareness for the entire family. Also new this year are:

  • The Illinois Child Identification Program (CHIP), created by the Freemasons of Illinois, provides parents with a complete child identification package, much of which is contained on a take-home CD. Includes a color photograph, DNA sample (through a saliva cheek swab), fingerprints and a recorded video interview. The free program is sponsored by Urbana Lodge #157.
  • Grandparent Safety, which will explain the signs and symptoms of a stroke and heart attack
  • A farm safety puppet show.
  • Railroad safety.
  • The Champaign Public Library's Book Mobile.
  • Bicycle 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.

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. For a complete list of exhibits and activities, visit www.carle.org.