All treats, no tricks as children learn safety

There were plenty of treats at H.V. Griffin Park Saturday morning at the United Way Child Safety Fair, but the only trick was the wet, cool weather. That didn't keep dozens of children from going, though, and they ran from booth to booth to play games, get their faces painted, and learn more about keeping themselves safe.

"We just wanted to see what was going on," said Holly Mielneczek, who was there with her children, Haley and Brian. "We were looking for something to do."

Along the way, they found out that fingerprint identity kits can also hold hair and dental records. At the Community High School Family Career and Community Leaders of America, or FCCLA, booth, they learned that they should sing the Happy Birthday song twice before they finished washing their hands. From clown Sammy Stallings, they learned that warm air in cold balloons can make them pop when you least expect them to.

"It's fun," said Zoey Dixon. "I like everything!"

"I'm excited with the turnout we're having, and I really appreciate our sponsors," said United Way director Dawn Holley. "I think all the different booths add to the day and we want to continue that."

First responders were also present, the Bedford County EMS and the Shelbyville Fire Department. LifeFlight from Vanderbilt visited later, after cloud cover and training exercises delayed the medical evacuation helicopter's arrival.

The Child Safety Fair is sponsored by the United Way and many organizations set up booths to share important facts along with fun treats. At the Exchange booth, parents and children learned ways to prevent child abuse -- then they got to pummel candy out of a piņata. The Center for Family Development let the children toss whiffle balls at a stack of cups for prizes while they provided parents the opportunity to learn more about Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association and other services they offer.