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Strong Kids Safe Kids
Draws Thousands to Eldridge Park.
By Salle E. Richards
Elmira Star Gazette, August 18, 2002
Eldridge Park's long vacant midway was again alive, with
children Saturday during the 18th annual Strong (ids, Safe
Kids, which combines fun and learning.
The event, called the largest ever by organizers, drew
praise from those attending.
"They definitely do more now than when I was a kid," said
Nicole Roman, 23, of West First Street in Elmira, who
brought her daughter, Maeve, 3, for the first time.
It took some coaxing, but once Mom showed how it was done,
the little girl suddenly became enthusiastic about having
her fingerprints recorded.
Fingerprints and photographs have always been part of the
event, but since moving to Eldridge Park four years ago,
Strong Kids, Safe Kids has had the space o develop into a
one day festival while still emphasizing its goal of showing
families how to help their children make healthier choices
in their lives, said Misty Purdy, a co-chairman this
year.
"We have 90 agencies participating and probably more than
4,000 people attending," she said.
Strong Kids, Safe Kids is a committee of the Chemung County
Children's Task Force and also involves many of the county's
police and fire Departments.
Purdy estimated about 50 uniformed police officers and
Firefighters were on hand not only for fingerprinting and
taking pictures but also helping to make the event more
memorable.
"I used to come here every lay when I was a kid," Pam
Biasilicato, 45, of West Washington Avenue in Elmira, said
of Eldridge Park. ìItís wonderful to see it
used again. They (Strong Kids Safe Kids Organizers are doing
a great job."
Marcus Marshburn, 6, and his brother Anthony, 9. were
enthusiastic about the games they played ó winning
prizes at a basketball throw and beanbag toss, but their
mother, Tina Marshburn, 29, of Washington Avenue in Elmira,
said they were also learning a lot of from the
demonstrations and informational booths.
"It's pretty interesting," she said.
Among the new attractions this year were a bike rodeo,
rescue dogs, an arts and crafts tent, Eddie Eagle gun safety
and a dance demonstration by the Ladies of Class from the
Ernie Davis Community Center.
Purdy promised that the 2003 event will be even better. "Next year we're going to include the (Eldridge) skate
park," she said.