Maricopa’s 2nd annual Kids Day to promote health and safety

Maricopa children and their parents have the opportunity to participate in a local celebration of the 15th annual Kids Day International, a health, safety and environmental awareness day.

Doctors from New Jersey originally decided to create a day for children. “They figured that if there was a Mother’s Day, a Father’s Day and Grandparents’ Day, there should be one for children,” said Dr. John Donohue, who brought the first kids’ day to Maricopa last year. That inaugural event drew a crowd of nearly 1,000 residents and their children.

This year’s event, again sponsored by Donohue, will be held at Maricopa Wells Middle School on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The free event will provide essential information on crime prevention, child safety and environmental awareness. The Maricopa Police Department will be on hand to provide free fingerprinting of all the children along with bringing police cars, police motorcycles and the K-9 Unit. Maricopa’s fire fighters will be bringing a fire truck, teaching fire safety tips and seatbelt safety.

Donohue will provide free health screenings and will be distributing vital information on disease prevention and ways to promote good health. Other topics for the day include bicycle safety, Internet safety, dental health, healthy eating and exercise.

“We will also provide free balloons, free food and fun for everyone. There will be special give-a-ways and free prize drawings every half-hour,” said Donohue.

Several local businesses and organizations are scheduled to participate in the event, focusing on information geared toward kids and helpful for parents.

For further information, contact Donohue at [email protected] or at 520-208-3496.

If you go:

What: Maricopa’s Kids Day International celebration
When: Saturday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Where: Maricopa Wells Middle School, 45012 W. Honeycutt Ave.
Cost: Free

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