The first Amarillo Children’s Health and Safety Fair was held on Saturday, September 15, 2007, from noon to 4 p.m. This event was presented by the Amarillo Family Wellness Group. I began organizing the health and safety fair in May of this year in order to promote healthy lifestyles of the children of Amarillo and a safe environment in which to grow up. Admission was free to all and was primarily advertised to all Amarillo elementary schools via 16,000 flyers in their Wednesday folders. The Amarillo Family Wellness Group also participated in the Tri-State Fair Parade earlier that same day (handing out flyers), as well as through newspaper and radio public service announcements.
It was held in the Amarillo Family Wellness Group’s and Gold’s Gym parking lots off of Paramount and Blackburn where approximately 800 parents and children attended. We are excited about all the children who attended and had a great time. In addition they left with a new and reinforced knowledge of crucial health and safety issues.
Much appreciation goes to Bob Johnson from the Amarillo Fire Department (Fire Safety), Joyce Cunningham with the Texas Bicycle Coalition – Safe Routes to School Program (Bicycle Safety), Ryan Brewster, DDS (Teeth Screening), Connie Danner with NAET of Amarillo (Naturopathic Consultation), Debra Tracy with Headstart (Car Seat Safety), MeLynn Huntley with AISD (Drug Awareness), and Dr. Shane Hand with the Amarillo Family Wellness Group (Spinal Health Consultations).
The groups who performed for entertainment were the AC Lamplight Youth Theatre, Cheer Texas, and the Protege Performers of the Texas Classical Ballet. Door prizes and other necessities were donated by several generous local businesses.
In Health,
Dr. Tim Peterson
