By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
HOULTON — Bess the Book Bus is coming back to Shiretown, and once again, she is bringing some friends.
The Aid for Kids organization is sponsoring a children’s fair at the Millar Arena in Houlton on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Bess the Book Bus will be on hand with free books, and there will be a free science show with hands-on science activities by Mad Science of Maine,” said Danette Ellis, one of the event organizers. “This is a fun, interactive, educational science presentation that all ages will enjoy. The Houlton and Presque Isle Elks Clubs will have a drug awareness booth, and the Masons will have a Child Identification booth to give parents the opportunity to make a kit of identifying materials of their child.”
Bess the Book Bus is a mobile literacy van that travels across the country giving free books to school age children.
And while the primary purpose of the visit is to bring books to children, the event has grown over the years to include many other booths and exhibits. Lowe’s will be on site with its “Build and Grow” kits, which are building projects that the kids can construct with the help of an employee.
In addition, the Houlton Animal Control officer who will have a table with information on the “Fix Me” program, which is a low-cost spay and neutering program. Also, E Waste recycling will be on hand to recycle game systems, televisions (all sizes), monitors, printers, VCR’s, remote controls etc for free.
Other booths include Hazard House, which provides fire education; artist Sandra Donnelly, who will help children build a recycled robot; the Cary Library will host children’s crafts; Dr. Anne Langston from the University of Maine will have an aquamarine touch tank; Kate Dickerson from the Maine Science Festival will offer a wind power demonstration; Sara McQuarrie from “Sneakin’ in Science” will do hands-on science fun.
Also, the Maine Forest Service helicopter will also be outside the arena. The Maine Bicycle and Pedestrian Education Program will do a bicycle rodeo for children who bring their bicycle and helmet. Children should bring their own bicycle and helmet to participate. There will be a limited number of free helmets.
Others include: the Masonic Lodge will once again do a child identification program; Katahdin Valley Health Center will offer oral hygiene information; the Maine Fire Marshals Office will provide fire education and a hazard house to teach kids what to do if they encounter fire in their home; Bangor Savings Bank will be available to open new children’s bank accounts and the bank will deposit the first $5; Aroostook Aspirations will do an educational booth; County Clownz will do face painting and balloon art; and Larry Berz from the Easton Science Center will have an educational display.
Aid for Kids will sponsor games, prizes, a bounce house and a free barbecue for children and their parents.
