Kids' Day XX a big success

Even the rain couldn’t stop the bounds of excited children who raced from one equipment display to another at the 20th annual Kids’ Day on Saturday.

Even when the slight drizzle turned into a downpour, families stood outside with wide eyes watching the flames fly during the periodic fire demonstrations.

“It’s another success,” said Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue Chief Ken Burdette. “There’s more people here than last year.”

Inside the President’s Hall at the Fairgrounds the kids excitedly went from one booth to the next to have their “passports” stamped and many passports filled up fast. But more important than filling up that passport with stamps were the safety messages that went along with them. With more than 80 booths, families were sure to receive a wide range of important life-saving messages.

“Each booth gives a safety message and every booth has their own message,” said Dr. Karen Busso, who is on the Kids’ Day planning committee.

This year CKFR focused on getting the message out about the importance of having working smoke alarms and planning an escape route in case of a fire.

“It’s really great hearing parents repeat some of the safety messages to their children, it makes a difference,” said Lindsy Ingram, CKFR spokeswoman and event organizer.

Not only did each child receive a bag to collect goodies with, but many recieved free bicycle helmets that were provided by Northwest Region Emergency Medical Services (NWREMS). Volunteers from the American Red Cross made sure each helmet fit correctly.

“We believe in having fitted helmets,” said April Borbon of NWREMS. More than 300 free helmets were distributed at the event.

Tina Zousel took advantage of the free bike helmets and had both of her children, ages 5 and 7, fitted with helmets.

Her son Shawn waited patiently as American Red Cross volunteer Ann Thomas made sure his helmet fit properly by adjusting the straps to make sure it was tight enough.

“This is something fun for the kids, they’re having fun,” Tina Zousel said.

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