May 15, 2009

‘Playing It Safe! A Family Safety Fair' to Feature New Safety Activities, Child ID Station, Bicycle Rodeo, Free Hot Dog Lunch and More!

Carle Foundation Hospital and Champaign County SAFE KIDS will for the 13th year sponsor "Playing It Safe! A Family Safety Fair" on Saturday, June 6, 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 and railroad safety. Also, attendees are encouraged to bring their bikes to the fair for bicycle safety inspections.

The first 1,500 people, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., will receive a free hot dog and chips courtesy of Sonic Drive-In and Carle Foundation Hospital. 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 Maze and Bicycle Rodeo; experience a fire safety house; take a ride down a giant slide; participate in bicycle helmet fitting, and much more.Just for fun, there will be face painting and Ambucs will provide free train rides to the kids.

At the safety fair, parents can learn about Internet safety, poison prevention, 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.

NOTE: For all media inquiries, please contact Gretchen Robbins, director of Public Relations, at 217-383-4602. Only residents who have questions about the event should contact Sylvia Warnock.