Smokey Bear and McGruff the Crime Dog are coming back to town for Kids Day Maricopa.
The free, annual event is Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Maricopa Wells Middle School. It is packed with activities, information, prizes, food and live music. This is the eighth year Dr. John A. Donohue of A-1 Health & Wellness has coordinated the event.
“We will have the fire department with a fire truck, and the police department will be there teaching child safety,” Donohue said.
Besides a fire truck, Maricopa Fire Department will bring its “fire safety house,” showing children what to do in case of fire or other danger. Maricopa Police Department will bring police cars and motorcycles along with the K-9 Unit. The officers are offering free fingerprinting of all children and safety demos.
Ak-Chin Fire Department will demonstrate seatbelt and car seat safety. Pinal County Sheriff’s Office will have its K-9 Unit and a helicopter. Donohue will provide free health screenings. Former NBA player A.C. Turner will present a basketball clinic. Local favorites Laura Walsh and Joanna Joy will provide music for much of the day. Businesses and organization are also participating in Kids Day Maricopa.
Donohue said all are required to provide information on health and safety. Global Water will promote water conservation, and Ace Hardware will bring a Master Gardener to show how to grow a natural garden. ATA Karate Kids will have a stranger-danger and safety demo. Desert Sun Performing Arts and Desert Star Gymnastics will perform. The event is sponsored by the Ak-Chin Indian Community and Spike Beverage.
Look for a face-painting booth, a 4-H Club petting zoo, yoga and zumba with the City of Maricopa and information from First Things First, Head Start, Empact, AZ Tech Radiology, Southwestern Pediatric and the First Tee. Donohue said the activities will be spread around the school grounds and inside.
There will be prize drawings all day for toys and bicycles. Food, drinks and balloons are free. Grand prizes will be given out from 3 to 4 p.m. Besides Smokey and McGruff, don’t be surprised to run into Sparky the Fire Dog, Kung Fu Panda and Kermit the Frog.
If You Go …
What: Kids Day Maricopa
When: Sept. 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Maricopa Wells Middle School, 54725 W. Honeycutt Ave.
How much: Free
Contact: 520-494-7788
