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by Molly McCarthy
Elmira Star Gazette • Sunday, August 17, 2003
Mcgruff the Crime Dog and Elmo of Sesame Street taught children about safety and showed them a good time Saturday at the 19th annual strong Kids safe kids Festival in Eldridge Park.
The mission of the event was to raise awareness of such children's issues as safety and health. But the ambassadors, who also included Smokey Bear, and events such as face painting ensured that the youngsters in the park also had fun.
"This is an amazing example of community really coming together-businesses, not-for-profit and government agencies," said Susan Collins of the New York State Citizens' Coalition for Children and even co-chairwoman.
More than 50 Chemung County organizations contributed to this year's festival said co-chairwoman Misty Purdy of Swan Sons Morss Co. of Elmira
Free fingerprinting, digital photographing and videotaping were available to all participants. Those identifying materials are important to police if a child is ever missing, Elmira Police Officer William Bresser said.
New York state troopers provided free care sear safety checks for families.
There were miniature train rides, free balloons and a dunk tank as well as gymnastics, a bike rodeo and a live reptile demonstration.
"They won't let me leave until they've seen everything," said Billy Jo Stedge as she waited for her daughter Kashmir Taylor, 8, and niece Tairra Jenkins, 5 at the festival's slide.
Not even a few rain drops could dampen the girls' spirits.
"I bounced down." Tairra said proudly after getting off the slide and assuring on lookers that it wasn't scary.
For many families, the Strong Kids Safe Kids Festival has become a tradition.
"We brought him last year, and this is all he has talked about for a week," Anna Vieli said of her son Doulton 4, as he tried to hit a golf ball through a clown's nose at the putting booth.
Volunteer Patti Horton, a 15-year old sophomore at Southside High School, measured success by people's reaction.
"I love putting a smile on people's faces," she said.