Families swarm Sauk: Attendees take advantage of child ID program, petting zoo at Sauk Child Fair
By Tara Becker - tbecker@svnmail.com
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| Staff Sgt. Danny Basham, of the U.S. Army recruiting office in Dixon, IL, gives B.J. Broers, 6, of Dixon, an army face painting Saturday at Sauk Valley Community College’s 25th annual Child Fair. (Philip Marruffo - SVN) |
DIXON – Two-year-old Marissa O’Leary was tuckered out after a long day of cruising through the crowded halls of Sauk Valley Community College at Saturday’s Child Fair.
After spending a little time in the petting zoo, the tiny tot and her mom, Karen, 31, sat down in the gym to listen to some cool live tunes from Dave Rudolf, a Jimmy Buffet-esque singer from Park Forest.
Clutching a bag of animal crackers, Marissa occasionally swayed to the music.
The band was definitely the pair’s favorite attraction, Karen O’Leary said.
“We’re pretty new to the area, and this looked like it would be interesting,” she said.
The O’Learys were among more than 1,300 people who came out to the child fair, which offered a petting zoo, live music, crafts and games.
Fifty-seven vendors offered information on a variety of topics ranging from health and fitness to child care and art programs.
“You can bring your kids out here and spend 4 hours here without spending a dime,” said Jeanne DePuy, co-chair for the event.
Upstairs, parents could take their kids to the IL CHIP – child identification program – sponsored by the Masons of Illinois.
During the program, volunteers took a DNA sample and fingerprints from the child, as well as a digital color photo and a brief recorded interview that is saved on a compact disc for parents to take home.
Roger Larson, deputy grand master for the northern district, said 521 kids were CHIPed last year at the child fair. This year, the traffic was pretty steady, he said.
“I would say we do at least one a minute,” he said. “I think the parents really get excited about us bringing the program here.”
Ramses Arreola, 27, of Sterling, brought his 2-year-old son Josue to get CHIPed.
During the pre-interview, a volunteer asked Josue a string of questions, including what his favorite food is.
“Ice cream!” he exclaimed as he threw up his hands.
Ramses Arreola said of all the sights he and his son saw Saturday, the IL CHIP program was the most interesting.
“In today’s world, unfortunately, so many kids end up missing,” he said. “I just want to be safe.”
