For the second year in a row, The Aid For Kids 501 (c) 3 organization will be hosting Bess the Book Bus and a children’s fair on Saturday, July 16 from 1-6 p.m. at the Houlton Community Park.
The Book Bus is a mobile literacy outreach that travels across the country giving books to children. Rebecca Emberley, an author and illustrator from Kittery who has written over 40 children’s books including “There Was An Old Monster,” “Chicken Little & The Little Red Hen” will be signing copies of her book “Adventure Girl” and the books will be given to children free of charge. She will also be doing a hands on craft activity that coincides with her book.
Martha Bell, Let’s Go Program associate and Reegan Brown a staff member from Healthy Aroostook will be offering 5-2-1-0 at the event, as well. The 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go is a healthy lifestyle program for youth. They will provide a story walk — a great way for children to enjoy a story while engaging in physical activity.
The Maine Masons will be participating and will offering their CHIP program. It is a comprehensive child identification and protection tool designed to give families a measure of protection against the ever increasing problem of missing children. The program includes a DNA sample, a fingerprint and a video of the child.
Houlton Fire Department will be on hand to display their Hazard House, which is a hands-on learning tool. The Ark Animal Sanctuary will have a table and Bangor Savings Bank will be depositing $5 into any new Great Start Children’s savings account that is opened from 1-5 p.m. Participants will need to bring their social security card for both the parent and child.
TD Bank will have their summer reading program available for children to enroll in. Once a child has read 10 books, he or she returns the book, logs into the bank and TD Bank will deposit $10 in a new or existing account. One $10 offer per reader.
A representative from The University of Maine cooperative extension Eat Well Nutrition Education will do a presentation. There will be a Zumba demonstration for children. Adopt A Block will be doing giveaways and face painting.
Thanks to the generosity of Vision Service Plan and Transitions Optical, gift certificates will be available for a free comprehensive eye screening and a free pair of glasses to children who do not have optical insurance. Participants must have a social security card and also meet the financial guidelines of VSP. The closest participating optometrists are in Bangor.
There will also be games for the kids, popcorn, a bounce house, balloons, a barbeque, prizes, educational booths and free books.
For more information, visit www.aidforkids.org.
