The 23rd annual McHenry County Children’s Health and Safety Fair is just around the corner. Make plans to attend this free event on Wednesday, July 31, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at McHenry County College (MCC), 8900 U.S. Highway 14. Due to parking lot construction, the public should enter the MCC campus at Entrance 3 (Tartan Drive), across from Lucas Road and park at Building C. Once inside, follow signs to the registration desk.
Over 1,200 children and adults visited the fair last year, providing families with not only fun activities, but with advice on where their nearest family urgent care clinic is if they need medical attention, as well as important immunizations, dental screenings, and physical examinations before the start of the new school year.
This year’s fair will include animal characters, a child ID system and over 40 interactive educational exhibits including door prizes. Children are issued a card that will be stamped at each exhibitor’s booth.
A completed, stamped card can be turned in for a free school supply box and enters children into a raffle for one of two new bikes and helmets.
Schedule your child’s appointment now for school physicals (for qualifying children) at the Family Health Partnership Clinic (815-334-8987). Immunizations and dental exams are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Parents need to bring their child’s updated shot record. Call McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) at (815) 334-4500 for immunization information. All services have a nominal fee.
The Children’s Fair Coalition partners includes Community Action Agency/Head Start, Centegra Health System, CL Graphics, Community Health Partnership Clinic, Family Health Partnership Clinic, League of Women Voters of Illinois Education Fund, McHenry County College, McHenry County Department of Health, McHenry Community Health Center, McHenry County Mental Health Board, Mercy Health System, Northwest Herald/Shaw Media, Star 105.5, and Youth Service Bureau, Div. of Pioneer Center.
The fair is also supported by organizations and volunteers who contribute time, services and/or financial donations. For more information, contact MCDH at (815) 334-4510.