Blizzards, power outages, floods, tornadoes and hazardous materials spills are not laughing matters, but there will be plenty of laughter and fun during an event this Saturday designed to help Parker families get ready for any such potential emergencies.
The second annual Parker Family Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 20 east of the Parker Town Hall, 20120 E. Mainstreet, and will include almost 60 information booths on topics ranging from food storage, family plans, emergency communications, 720-hour kits, first aid and internet safety. Plus, over 25 free activity booths will be set up to entertain kids of all ages including jump castles, rock walls, kids' games, a skate ramp, a lacrosse contest and obstacle course. Free food will also be available, and groups like APEX Dance Team, Celtic Steps, Legend High School Choir and Colorado Hoofers will perform.
"The Family Fair is an integral part of what makes Parker great and gives it that home-town feel," said Parker Mayor David Casiano. "What better way to spend a Saturday than being with one's family, making new friends, and enriching the soul of a great community."
The volunteer-run fair was originally organized in response to
South-Metro Fire Chief Daniel Qualman's goal to help the Parker area citizens become better prepared to care for their families and neighbors in case of an emergency. Last year's fair had 4,000 attendees and building on that success, the numbers are expected to climb to over 6,000 this year with Honorary Chairmen Casiano, Qualman and Police Chief David King in attendance.
"
Come visit the South Metro Fire Rescue
Authority Emergency Preparedness booth
and get information on how to assemb
le a 72-hour Readiness Pack for
your home, automobile
and office," Qualman said.
"Visit the Safety Rodeo to learn how to protect your brain and ride your wheeled toys safely."
TJ Kennedy, chairman of the event, said it will be a great event for the whole family.
"Through the cooperation of town leaders, police and fire departments, and a variety of community businesses and organizations, the Parker Family Fair is a unique event which helps prepare citizens for an emergency in a wholesome, family activity," said Kennedy.
Area businesses such as Interstate Restoration and Jebco Heating and Air Conditioning, Parker Adventist Hospital and Wagner CAT are sponsoring the event. Many town leaders and organizations including the Town Council, Parker Police, Parker Library, Youth for Parker, the Economic Development Council, the Downtown Development Committee and Chamber of Commerce are supporting the fair.