Kids fair coming to SIC

Deaton Gymnasium at Southeastern Illinois College will be full of athletic activity for the "Be a Good Sport" Kids' Fair.

According to Donna Hearn, a spokeswoman for SIC, the fair is meant to help promote reading, education, health, nutrition and safety in a "fun manner."

This free event on April 26 provided by the SIC Community Education Department, was made possible through partnerships with Egyptian Health Department, Harrisburg Medical Center, Wabash Area Development Inc (WADI) Head Start, and the Harrisburg District Library. These community vendors and other agencies, 25-30 in total, will host actives, games, and prizes for children.

The day will a photo opportunity area, with a life-sized picture of kids with different sports equipment. Parents are encouraged to use cell phones or cameras to take photos.

Hearn said that the fair will feature new attractions, such as drawings by some vendors and businesses. Prizes include four tickets to Showplace Cinemas, bowling tickets from Ross Cottom Lanes, Roller Derby tickets, and Z Factor passes.

The fair will also feature a fire truck, fire house, police car, an appearance from local Roller Derby athletes, and an area to shoot archery, with the aid of members of the SIC Archery team. "Little Obie," a scale model of a real locomotive and caboose sponsored by the Canadian National Railway, will return to the fair as well. An ambulance may also be on hand, for children to look inside and talk about with the drivers.

Free food provided by WADI, Harrisburg Medical Center, Pepsi Mid-America, and SIC will be served in the cafeteria.

The Kid's Fair is for children up to fifth grade and will run from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. For more information, call 252-5400, ext. 3213.