Thursday, July 09, 2009
Health & Safety Fair: Get fit and have fun
Organizers say there will be something for everyone at Saturday's event.
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Looking for no-cost health screenings and information sessions? In the mood for a family-friendly weekend outing?
Roanoke Public Libraries will hold the second annual Health and Safety Fair on Saturday.
The event will top last year's in terms of vendor participation, with more than 150 vendors registered -- up from 90 in 2008. Last year's event drew more than 3,500 guests.
Jason Lane, the organizer of the fair, started the event last year to bring together different organizations that can teach the public ways to stay fit. He said this year's fair will provide a free opportunity to educate and help a larger group of people who may be in need of these types of services.
"This year we're just trying to reach out to the community because the economy is so down and people have lost their jobs," Lane said.
Attendees can take advantage of free screenings, including vision, speech, hearing, glucose, skin cancer, blood pressure and rapid HIV testing, with results available the same day. The only screening that requires a payment is cholesterol, which will cost $15.
Representatives from the University of North Carolina will give guests an opportunity to earn money while also contributing to health science research. Participants will receive $20 for donating two vials of blood.
Roanoke police will provide seat belt and child safety-seat testing, K-9 demonstrations and a presentation explaining how they investigate crime scenes. The Bedford County Sheriff's Office will feature a simulator that demonstrates the importance of wearing a seat belt.
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Roanoke's main public library and throughout Elmwood Park.
A magician will take the stage at 11 a.m., and from 2 to 5 p.m. the Lenny Marcus Jazz Trio and the Wright Kids, a band that gained notoriety after appearing on NBC's "America's Got Talent," will perform.
In between health and safety services and concerts, attendees can relax in massage chairs or pose for a caricature drawing. Children can visit an entire patio area dedicated to them that will include activities such as tie-dye and crafts.
Food will be catered and, in the spirit of the event, will feature healthy foods made with a greaseless deep fryer.
With so many free activities and services available, Lane said there will be something for everyone and is confident those who attend will have a good time no matter what they choose.
"It's open to all ages," he said, "It's touching all bases and it's not just pertaining to anybody or any one group."
