Saturday is Konocti Kids' Day

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CLEARLAKE – Clearlake's Austin Park will be the site of a special day of fun for children and their families this Saturday.


Konocti Kids' Day will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.


This year's theme is, “Wild About Kids.” Admission is free to the event.


Konocti Kids' Day is a countywide event this year, say organizers. In the past it's focused on children from birth to age 5, but this year – thanks to new partnerships – the event is open to children of all ages, with activities included for older children as well.


The day will include activities for all ages – performers, bouncy houses, car seat and bike helmet fittings, good food and much more.


An event highlight will be the appearance of the 129th Rescue Squadron from the Air National Guard, whose 65-foot Team Hawk helicopter will land in Clearlake on Friday night in preparation for Saturday.


Team Hawk's commander and members will offer presentations and handouts that will educate children and parents alike about the danger of drugs.


The California Highway Patrol helicopter and REACH helicopter also will be on hand, according to organizers.


Other special visitors expected to make appearance are Smokey Bear, Sparky, McGruff and Chipper, and Sutter Lakeside Hospital and Center for Health mascots Heart, Sun and Bee.


Groups including Girl Scouts, Pomo Preschool, Redbud Hospital, California Highway Patrol and Clearlake Police will have booths at the event.


One of the booths will offer the Managing Information on Lost Kids – also known as m.i.l.k. – Digital ID event, sponsored by local Farmers Insurance agent Marvin Carpenter, with additional support from the Rotary Club of Clearlake, the local Rotaract and Interact members, and the Clearlake Police Department.


Carpenter said m.i.l.k. helps increase awareness about missing children, and educates parents about what to do if the unthinkable happens – their child is abducted or lost.


In addition, Lake County Fire Protection District will provide education on everything from fire safety to accident prevention and disaster preparedness.


This year's event also will include a contest to promote the “Wild About Kids” theme. All agencies and organizations with a booth are encouraged to decorate their booth in accordance with the theme, with the winner receiving a $100 gift card to Walmart for their organization.


As part of Konocti Kids' Day, Lake Transit will give free rides to the event or elsewhere in the county.


Konocti Kids' Day is presented by the Lake County Office of Education (Healthy Start, School Readiness Program and Americorps), First 5 of Lake County, Sutter Lakeside Hospital and Center for Health, Lake Transit, Redbud Health Care District and Westamerica bank in partnership with the city of Clearlake.


E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..


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