Everything from healthy treats to a family fitness demonstration will be part of the Jefferson County Parks Department’s first-ever Kids Health and Safety Fair, to be held Friday, July 14, at the High Ridge Civic Center, 2800 Community Lane. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and runs to 8:30 p.m.
“This is the first of its kind,” said Craig Luetkemeyer, recreation division manager for the Parks Department. “We felt a need to showcase what the community has available in health and safety for kids, and we wanted to showcase what we have to offer.”
The department has lots of programs to keep kids healthy and fit, Luetkemeyer said.
The Big River Run, now in its fourth year, will be held again in September, and instructional sports programs, including basketball, soccer, T-ball and youth golf, are held at various times throughout the year.
The Safety Fair will include demonstrations and other activities.
■ At 6 p.m., Get Fit Families, sponsored by the Parks Department, will demonstrate a fun way for parents or guardians and children to work out together.
■ 6:30 p.m., Healthy Treats program, sponsored by the Jefferson County Health Department, will give children healthy fun alternative treats.
■ 7 p.m., martial arts demonstration, sponsored by the Parks Department, will have students who are learning jiujitsu exhibit their skills.
In addition, a variety of community agencies will have health and safety opportunities for kids, including free bike helmets from North Jefferson County Ambulance District, car seat safety checks from Kohl’s 4 Kids, dental information from the Jefferson County Health Department, a program on pet safety from Gateway K-9, as well as a program for parents called Ask the Doctor featuring a physician from SSM St. Clare Health Center in Fenton.
Comtrea, a county agency that provides health and mental health services, also will be at the fair with information and perhaps a visitor from their Tails with Tales Canine Therapy program, a volunteer program that trains people and their dogs to be therapy teams.
There will be some free health screenings at the event. And a bounce house will also be on the grounds.
Luetkemeyer said families should come out.
“This will be an opportunity to see what services are available for kids in the area, and I think it’s going to be a lot of fun,” he said.
Call 636-797-5334 for more information.
