JACKSON HOSTS KIDS DAY IN PARK

JACKSON -- All children and their families in the Jackson and Cape Girardeau area are invited to participate in the Jackson Noon Optimist Club's "Kids Day in the Park," on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Safety Village in the main Jackson City Park.

There is no admission charge, and all activities are free.

Kids Day in the Park is a giant safety fair with a carnival atmosphere," said Beverly Nelson, a member of the Jackson Noon Optimist Club. "There will be numerous games, balloons, clowns and prizes. Safety-related information and handouts will be available to take home at the different display booths."

Nelson said the purpose of Kids Day in the Park is to instill a greater degree of safety consciousness in both children and parents.

"We want the kids and their parents to realize how important safety is, said Nelson. "Kids Day in the Park makes learning about safety a fun thing. The day has been organized by the Jackson Noon Optimists, assisted by the Jackson Optimist Club, because we care about kids. Activities such as Kids Day in the Park is just one example of Optimists in action."

Nelson said events will include relay games from 11:30 until 3 p.m. for various age groups. Ribbons will be awarded and children will receive a prize each time they play.

Other events include a bicycle rodeo and skills test (children should bring their own bikes and safety helmets); face painting; a real antique fire truck complete with a real dalmation dog; and a visit with Smokey the Bear and Vince and Larry, the crash dummies.

Nelson said Vince and Larry will be walking around grounds to meet children and parents. The KBSI-TV Kids Klubhouse will also be open, as well as the Cape Girardeau County Firefighters Smokehouse.

For kids 17 and under, there will be free hot dogs, potato chips and soda. Those 17 and older will have to pay a quarter.

There will be 22 display booths or activities, including a seat-belt and child car seat-belt checkpoint, Safe Kids Coalition and hospitals, Ping Pong toss game, dart board with balloons, a fishing hole, an obstacle course, Red Cross water safety display, and parachute and giant ball activity.

Nelson said all of the activities are designed to leave a safety message or theme with the children and parents to take home while they are enjoying the day.

"It's going to be a fun day for the kids and parents, so make plans to come out to our Kids Day in the Park on Saturday," she said. "We encourage families to use the parking lot near Shelter No. 5 off West Independence, (Route D) or the parking area near Shelter No. 4."