OXFORD — Despite torrential rains, the community still turned out for Oxford’s FRESH (Family Resources and Education for Safety and Health) Air Fair on Saturday, April 29.
Due to the rain, the event had to be moved from the Talawanda High School parking lot, inside the building, but the event was still a success, according to organizers.
The event featured: a bicycle safety course, child identification kit, free bicycle helmets, healthy snacks, tour of a fire engine and helicopter, fire safety education, face painting, games and activities, giveaways, and more.
McCullough-Hyde started the FRESH Air Fair eight years ago, but for the past few years it has been a collaboration with the Coalition for a Healthy Community. McCullough-Hyde/TriHealth is the main sponsor for the event.
Both organizations collaborated with the Oxford Police Department (OPD) to hold a Medication Disposal Day and with Oxford Kiwanis, for a pancake breakfast.
Thanks to OPD, Miami University Police Department (MUPD) and the Oxford Township Police Department, they were able to collect 30 pounds of medication at the event.
During the fair, they gave away 144 hula hoops to community members. Organizers do estimate that the rain kept away one-third of the numbers they usually see, but they still had a large turn out. Families really appreciate the resources provided during the fair. The free bicycle helmets are a big draw to most.
“We are appreciative to everyone who braved the weather and came out to the FRESH Air Fair,” Coalition Health & Wellness Coordinator Amy Macechko said. “We are so thankful to all of our community partners who participated as vendors and made the day special and fun for families in our community! They set up interactive booths, gave out important and valuable information to families and engaged in meaningful ways with the community.”
Director of Community Wellness at McCullough-Hyde/TriHealth Sharon Klein added, “I think all had a great time. I have to give a special thank you to McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital/TriHealth who has funded a majority of the event for the last 8 years! Their investment in not only this project, but many others that will have a positive impact on wellness in our community is much appreciated.”
Klein also said several non-profits have reached out to her to thank her for the event, every year. According to Klein, many are impressed by the support the community continues to offer.
The FRESH Air Fair is all about providing families with young children the opportunity to have fun while learning about resources available to help promote safe and healthy homes, neighborhoods, and communities.
