By Lana Bradstream, Times-Republican
Families in Marshalltown will have the opportunity to learn about different family-support agencies in the community during the annual Healthy Family Fair, which is right around the corner.
Hosted by Child Adolescent and Parent Support (CAPS), the fair will be at the Marshalltown High School Roundhouse on March 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
CAPS Community Relations Director Anna Hargrave said this event is separate from the Healthy Family Fair at the Marshalltown Public Library every summer. She said the spring fair was held at different locations, such as Marshalltown Mall and Marshalltown Community College, since it started more than 16 years ago.
“We are going to have so many activities,” Hargrave said. “Last year, more than 1,000 people attended, which was higher than the previous year.”
The day of the event, she said people will walk through the door to find 30 to 40 local agencies represented, such as health insurance agencies, dental offices, medical providers and more.
“The police and fire departments will be there. The Marshalltown Police Department will be doing fingerprints, the Marshall County Sheriff will talk about car seat safety and installation,” Hargrave said. “Each table and agency will have activities for the kids to do while their parents are getting information.”
The Iowa State University Bug Zoo will be present. She said children will get the chance to learn about, touch and hold the insects. Absolute Science will have eight stations set up, with different hands-on activities at each one.
“We will also have balloon animals and storytellers William and Black Jack,” Hargrave said.
She said the event is free for attendees.
“This is to help get the families out and learn about the agencies,” Hargrave said. “A lot of people don’t know some of the agencies exist. It can also get the agencies together so they can work for the community, as well.”
She said the fair would not be possible without the sponsors.
“We have to pay for the space and for the insurance, and without the sponsors, that would be difficult to do,” Hargrave said.
The sponsors are McFarland, Rotary Club of Marshalltown, MEMBERS1st Community Credit Union, Community Partnerships for Protecting Children, Iowa River Valley Early Childhood Area and Farmers Savings Bank.
Healthy family fair information
- Address: Marshalltown High School Roundhouse, 1602 S. Third Ave.
- Date: Saturday, March 9
- Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Cost: Free
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