KIDS’ FAIR NEXT WEEK

 HARRISBURG, JULY 28 – What do you get when you combine a local zoo with face painting, free food, team mascots and clowns? According to state Sen. Connie Williams, if you have her 1^st annual Kids’ Fair, which is scheduled for 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6^th at the Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown.

 “I’ve planned this event with children and families in mind,” Williams said. “The location is a fabulous spot for a fair geared toward children. There will be fun things for children, informational material for parents, water ice and free food for everyone who attends.”

 Expected to make a guest appearance (around 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.) is the Phillie Phanatic. Other characters and mascots include McGruff the Crime Dog, Smokey Bear, RSVP clowns and the Villanova Wildcat. A Norristown fire truck will be parked in the zoo for children to see.

 Riverbend will be on hand to offer a free interactive activity geared to environmental awareness, while several libraries will provide a story time. The Norristown Lodge 620 F&AM will provide a free child identification program, which includes videotaping and voice recording, as well as a DNA kit that parents can take home. To take advantage of the program, a parent or guardian must accompany children.

 Several insurance departments will be on hand to sign-up children for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

 Admission to the event is free to all children and families in the 17^th Senatorial District, but people are asked to call if they plan to attend. To RSVP for the event, call 610-853-5433, or e-mail bscanlon@pasenate.com

 The Elmwood Park Zoo is located at 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown.