With summer just around the corner, fall is far from the minds of many families. But if your child is starting kindergarten, it's not too early to begin getting ready with the Children's Health Fair, Friday (June 12) at Brennan Park Recreation Centre from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Children's Health Fair serves as a chance for kids to get their immunization shots along with other more pleasant distractions such as face painting and crafts. The fair is also an opportunity for parents for see if their young ones are on track.
"The idea is to get different groups together and prepare kids heading into kindergarten by providing immunizations, which we have surrounded with a whole bunch of other activities," said Karen Rapp, Brennan Park recreation program co-ordinator.
The health fair includes a variety of free educational activities such as dental screening, vision information, a car seat check, speech, language, hearing and nutrition information, Bear Aware activities and more. The fair is free, but Tapp said donations to the food bank are much appreciated.
"The event is mainly about putting kids first and has been going on for a number of years now," said Tapp. "With all of our busy lives parents need more that the anecdotal information found on the Internet."
With a variety of organizations represented, Tapp said parents can ask questions of experts face-to-face.
"We have also tried to lay it out in a fun and interactive way to help kids get more excited about going into kindergarten," Tapp said. "We even have a bike safety expert coming in to speak because we have a lot of little bikers in our town."
If working families miss the health fair but still want information on topics covered, Tapp said some materials will be available at Brennan Park after the event.
"Every year families love this event because both kids and parents get a great chance to learn. The free dental screening is also great for families who don't have a dental plan and want to know if their kids are on the right track," Tapp said.
Despite a few tears that will inevitably be shed at the immunization station, Tapp said the Children's Health fair is worth checking out and a lot of fun for everyone.
For more information on the Children's Health Fair, call 604-898-3604.
