KIDS DAY IN THE PARK SET FOR SATURDAY

JACKSON -- The Jackson Noon Optimists Club will sponsor Kids Day in the Park Saturday.

The event, which emphasizes safety education, will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Jackson City Park, said Beverly Nelson of the club.

"It's kind of an outdoor safety fair," Nelson said. Among the attractions will be appearances by Vince and Larry, the crash test dummies; Buckle Bear and a "Wheel of Misfortune" game featuring questions about safety.

The fair will be held in the vicinity of Safety City and is accessible by either Shelter 4 or Shelter 5, she said.

Admission is free, and children will receive tickets good for all of the games and activities. Relay games, darts, a fishing hold, ring toss, baseball toss and other games will be available, and prizes will be awarded at all games.

The Jackson Police Department will be on hand to fingerprint children. Southeast Missouri Hospital, the American Red Cross and other agencies are also scheduled to sponsor booths and provide information throughout the day.

"They can just roam around in that area of the park," Nelson said. "It's just a fun-filled day for the kids."

In the past, as many as 1,200 children have attended the event, she said.

Refreshments, including hot dogs, lemonade and soda, will be available to children at no cost.

"If Mom wants to have a hot dog with the kids, it'll cost her a quarter," Nelson said. "That's the only charge there is."

For more information, call co-chair Carolyn Pickens at 243-7964.