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2008 SPONSORS
Blue Manufacturing
Chemung County Working together to Keep Kids Strong and Safe
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The Date!!
The
24th Annual Saturday, August 23rd, 2008 |
Strong Kids Safe Kids is a full day of educational activities and family entertainment
aimed at promoting awareness of
children's health and safety issues and the prevention of
child abuse and neglect. Hundreds community agencies and
businesses have joined forces over the past 21 years to
stage the event, which is attended by thousands of Chemung
County families. Strong Kids is not fund-raising event...all
activities and services are provided free to children and
their families. One of the most beneficial outcomes of the
event is that it provides families with a fun filled day to
spend together without having to worry about money. Mom and
Dad can take their kids " to the fair " without worrying
about saying no to things they can't afford - everything at
Strong Kids is Free!
Agencies are asked to provide free, hands on activity or
entertainment for children in addition to handing out
information about agency services. Past activities have
included fishponds, coloring contests, miniature golf,
,dunking booths, face painting, arts and crafts, exotic
animal displays and an obstacle course. Costumed animals and cartoon characters
roam the area including Sponge Bob Square Pants, Scooby Do and
Smokey the Bear.
All county fire and law enforcement agencies are involved
whose displays include a smokehouse, fire trucks, police cars, fingerprinting, a bike
safety demonstration and car seat safety checks. Kids enjoy the
fire safety course manned by Sparky the bike riding fire
dog and area medical providers provide health screenings, an
emergency helicopter appearance and an ambulance
display.
Free Entertainment on the main stage has included,
square dancing, choral groups, magicians, african drummers, singers,
selections from the musical CATS, and comedians. Cheerleaders, gymnasts, clowns, and police dogs entertain throughout the park. A
miniature train provides rides for free and kids jump for
joy in the Balloon Typhoon. An exciting addition to the event in 2006 pony cart rides pulled by minature ponies.
Strong Kids Safe Kids is organized by an all volunteer
standing committee made up of representatives of local
businesses and community organizations. The committee
solicits donations from businesses and organizations to
assist with the purchase of supplies, printing, give-away's,
postage and performer fees. and uses any profits from food
sales to fund start up costs for the next years event and
add new attractions to the event. Advertising includes
television and radio PSA's, flyers, posters, print and
appearances on local talk shows.