Kids Fair returns to Morgantown Mall Saturday

Popular WVU Children’s Hospital event is in its 14th year

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Once a year, Morgantown Mall transforms into a hub for family fun for the West Virginia University Children’s Hospital Kids Fair. For the 14th year, the popular event will offer a wide variety of activities centered around the theme, “Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities.” All are aimed at helping children to make lifelong healthy lifestyle choices. The mall will host the fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Kids Fair will feature 52 exhibitors, each teaching youngsters about health, wellness, safety and caring for the environment. Learning necessary skills like proper brushing and flossing will combine with active play opportunities, including an obstacle course and a potato sack race.

Free health screenings and giveaways throughout the fair will include blood pressure checks, strength and flexibility tests, color blindness and vision evaluations (for kids ages 3 to 5), developmental assessments (for kids from birth to age 3) and more.

The WVU Children’s Hospital Kiddie Carnival will offer games, prizes and face painting from
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., located near J.C. Penney, across from the food court. The food court itself will feature live entertainment, including an exercise class, martial arts demonstrations and the Morgantown’s Got Talent showcase.

Kids between the ages of 5 and 13 can sign up for Morgantown’s Got Talent by stopping by the stage area between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., as space is limited. The 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. shows will not be judged, and participants are asked to keep their performances to three minutes or less.

Kids and caregivers can gear up wisely with safety checks, as well. Children are encouraged to bring their bike helmets and backpacks, as pros will be on hand to check for proper fit. The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department will conduct child safety seat inspections.

Monti the Mountaineer Bear, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Smokey Bear, Woodsy Owl, the Hearts of Gold Service Dogs, Mountaineer Kennel Club Therapy Dogs and Troo the Traumaroo will all make special appearances throughout the day.

Children can round out the day with an ambulance tour, a jump in the bounce house and so much more. Staff from WVU Children’s Hospital will be on hand at the Kids Fair Welcome Booth with drawstring backpacks (while supplies last) and there will be a raffle for a Nintendo DSi XL (with games) and a baby stroller/car seat combo. Raffle tickets are $1 each, with proceeds benefitting WVU Children’s Hospital.