Kids Day big hit Saturday

Residents gathered at Maricopa Wells Middle School Saturday to participate in the fifth annual Kids Day Maricopa.

The free event is designed to teach kids about safety, health issues and the environment, among other things, said Dr. John Donohue, host of the event.

“It’s hours and hours of fun and information all wrapped into one, without anybody worrying if they can afford to go or not,” Donohue said.

Kids Day included Internet safety, fire safety, water safety, car-seat safety and more, he said.

Setting it apart from other events is the ban on selling anything. Each booth had information and something fun for the kids, Donohue said.

“I’m excited to see so many people that want all this information for their kids’ benefit,” said Laura Devany, community outreach coordinator for First Things First in Pinal County.

Mayor Christian Price, Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu, and Sen. Steve Smith, R-Maricopa, were on hand Saturday. Babeu is running for re-election and Smith is running for the House District 11. McGruff and Smokey the Bear made appearances.