KIDS’ FAIR ON FRIDAY

 HARRISBURG, AUG. 2 – State Sen. Connie Williams said it wasn’t too late for children and families in the 17^th Senatorial District to register for Friday’s Kids’ Fair at Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown.

 Williams’ first ever Kids’ Fair will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. this Friday and admission is free to all families in the 17^th District.

 “There is a wonderful line-up of team mascots, clowns and even free face painting for the children and their families,” Williams said. “It is designed to be an evening of fun for children at the zoo while giving their parents the opportunities to meet with representatives of state, federal and local agencies who deal with programs for children and families.”

 In addition to face painting and other fun activities there will be free food.

 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).

 Parents are asked call 610-853-5433 if they plan to attend , or e-mail bscanlon@pasenate.com.

 “I hope to see many 17^th District families at this event,” Williams said. “It will be a wonderful evening for children and their parents.”

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