Returns to Millar Civic Center
HOULTON, Maine — Each year, as children head back to school, the Aid for Kids organization has sponsored an educational fair to help students get in the learning spirit.
This year’s fair will be held Saturday, Sept. 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Millar Civic Center and will once again feature “Bess the Book Bus,” as well as many other educational activities designed to stimulate young minds. There is no cost for admission.
“Bess the Book Bus will be on hand with free books, and there will be a free science show with hands-on science activities by Sneakin’ In Science and a puppet show by Frogmountain Puppeteers,” said Danette Ellis, one of the event organizers.
Bess the Book Bus has made trips to Houlton for the past few years and has doled out hundreds of free books to area youth. For more information please go to www.bessthebookbus.org.
New this year is a presentation by the Frogmountain Puppeteers, a family puppetry troupe from Bar Harbor that performs hundreds of shows a year across the country. Programs will be held at noon and 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.frogtownpuppets.com.
Cynthia Lord, author of “Rules”, “Hot Rod Hampster”, “Touchblue”, “Half-a-Chance” and “A Handful of Stars” will be on hand to sign her books. Lord is a winner of the Schneider Family Book Award and 2007 Newberry Honor Book. A limited number of books will be available at the event.
The Maine Department of Public Safety will have a “texting simulator” on hand to dramatically illustrate for youngsters (and adults) the dangers of texting and driving. The department will also bring the “Seat Belt Convincer,” which allows riders to experience the surprising amount of force that a 10-12 mph crash has.
Electronic’s End-E Waste recycling will be accepting printers, televisions, cell phones, fax machines, microwaves, computers, laptops for free disposal. For a full list of materials accepted visit www.electronicsend.com.
A pet CPR (four-hour) class will be offered for $10 per person. Individuals must pre-register and can do so by calling 532-4107.
Other booths include: Katahdin Valley Health Center, diabetes screening and pain management education; The Aroostook Medical Center, blood pressure screening, hand washing education and WOW wagon; Lowe’s, “Build & Grow Clinic,” with wooden crafts that kids can assemble with the help of Lowe’s employees; Debbie Melvin’s worm composting will show the ABCs of worm composting — a convenient way to dispose of organic waste, compost is a great way to feed and nurture plants, help our environment and reduce waste; Pine Tree Waste, recycling information; Maine Forest Products Council, flume table to learn how water flows; Houlton Fire Department’s hazard house; and A Life Line, large animal rescue group, where participants can meet a rescue animal and learn about the mission of the group.
Also, Dr. Anne Langston of the University of Maine at Orono will have aquamarine animals touch tank; the Maine Fire Marshal’s Office will have fire education and fire safety house providing fire simulations where children can practice evacuation techniques in a 30-ft enclosed trailer; the Houlton Elk’s Drug Education van will teach the dangers of drugs; Apollonia Dental Clinic will offer oral hygiene information, free toothbrushes, toothpaste and a chance to win a free electric toothbrush for children and adults; the Maine Warden Service will have a Safari in a box, which is a hands-on science event; the Maine Cooperative Extension will teach people how to add color to their plate by incorporating veggies into their diet; and the Houlton Masons will provide free children’s identification processing.
In addition, the Maine Forest Service will have a helicopter on site; the American Red Cross will teach fire alarm safety; the Malcolm Science Center will have hands-on science fun; Bangor Savings Bank will take applications for a new children’s savings account, with BSB making the first deposit; Power of Prevention bicycle rodeo; Cleo Fund, information on low cost spay and neutering; County Clownz, face painting and balloon animals; Kiwanis Club, cotton candy; ACAP, substance abuse prevention, health effects of tobacco, dental care, stringed backpacks, frisbees; Kohl’s Associates in Action members will do games.
Rounding out the events are a bounce house and free barbecue. For more information on this event, contact Ellis at dmellis@myfairpoint.net.
