JUNIOR OPTIMIST CLUB TO HOST FAMILY FUN FAIR ON SATURDAY

The Junior Optimist Club of Cape Girardeau will host a Family Fun Fair Saturday at the Washington School playground.

The fair, which will be held from noon-4 p.m., is billed as a fun event for the whole family, with games, booths and activities for kids.

Clowns, McGruff the Crime Dog and a puppet and magic show will provide entertainment for kids of all ages. In addition, various group activities will be announced throughout the day, in which kids can participate for prizes.

The Junior Optimist Club consists of youths from the ages 13 to 17, and is sponsored by the Evening Optimist Club, under the direction of Steve Del Vecchio and the Missouri Division of Children and Youth Services. Shelia Pigmon coordinated Saturday's event.

The Junior Optimist Club has received awards within the past several years, including the International Blue Ribbon Award of Optimist International, the Southwestern Bell Volunteer Group of the Year Award, and the George Washington Honor Medal from the Freedom Fountain of Valley Forge.

For the past 12 years, the club has sponsored an annual Spaghetti Supper and Talent Show. This year, however, the club - made up of the students from the Girardot Center for Youth and Families - felt they would like to direct their efforts toward children. The club adheres to the belief that youths develop stronger self-esteem through contributing their helping skills and talents to others in need.

Proceeds from the event will be shared between the club's activity fund and Washington Park.

In case of bad weather, the event will be moved to Sunday from 1-5 p.m.