Staff
A full lineup of information and activities for parents and children alike will be on tap when a Children’s Services Fair goes this coming Tuesday (Oct. 5).
“Come out, come and see us,” encouraged Miranda Sigurdson, chair of the Coming Together for Kids Coalition, which is organizing the fair that will run from 3-7 p.m. at J.W. Walker School.
“It’s going to be a fun event,” she enthused. “Hopefully there will be lots of people walking around and checking out the booths.
“A lot of the booths will be interactive, as well.”
Sigurdson said 20 vendors have registered for the event, highlighting the many services available for parents and children across the district.
“We’re really pleased with our response for the space that we’ve got,” she remarked, noting there will be booths representing all the different programs at the Northwestern Health Unit as well as the Child Development and Children’s Mental Health Program at the local Family & Children’s Services.
Other booths include the Fort Frances Nursery School, Country View Child Care from Devlin, Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board, the Northwest Community Care Access Centre, and the “JumpStart KidSport” program.
Local chiropractor Dr. Jeremy McGuire, audiologist Brenda Tullio, the Fort Frances Dental Centre, Safeway Pharmacy, the Substance Abuse Prevention Team led by Hugh Dennis also will be at the fair.
As well, “Kids & Company” will be on hand with information about its upcoming season, along with tickets and season passports.
The United Native Friendship Centre’s “Head Start” program will feature face-painting at its booth while the Fort Frances Day Care, Children’s Complex, and “Best Start” hub will be organizing a children’s play area complete with crafts and toys.
“We’re also having John Reader coming in, and he’ll play the guitar,” added Sigurdson. “He’s going to do two sets with the kids [at 3:15 and 4:30 p.m.]
“So right as soon as the kids get out of school, he’ll be there doing some songs with them.”
The local Wado-Kai karate club also will be doing a demonstration at 5:30 p.m.
As well, Anne Ainsworth, an early learning specialist from Kenora, is scheduled to speak at 4 and 6 p.m.
During these two half-hour interactive workshops, Ainsworth will show how music can be used to promote literacy in younger children.
“We are definitely going to have the ambulance parked outside for kids to do tours if they wish,” Sigurdson said, adding various mascots also will be at the fair.
“There’s going to be some really good door prizes, and each booth will have door prizes, as well,” she noted, with the grand prize for the children’s draw being a new bike donated by Canadian Tire.
Chili, buns, fruits, veggies, coffee, tea, and juice also will be available.
