Health Fair Turnout Not Expected to Slip Despite New Date

The annual Warren County Family Health Fair is being held at a different time than previous years, but the mission is still the same.

The event will continue to feature a wide variety of exhibitors, health screenings and giveaways.

The Warren County Health Department will sponsor the annual fair this Saturday, Aug. 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Wright City High School, located at 520 Westwoods Road. This year’s theme is “A Healthier Warren County Begins Today. . . Join the Movement.”

Organizers said over 60 exhibitors will be showcasing their services and providing giveaways to attendees. Organizers expect 600 to 800 people to attend.

Admission is free.

“We think this will be a good year,” said Andy Hoffman, Warren County environmental public health specialist. “Our goal is to get health-related information to the public and services provided by local companies. We have a lot of new exhibitors. This is a great way to learn about them.”

With the date change, organizers are using this year’s fair as an opportunity to help residents prepare for school. The first 200 children ages 5 to 10 will receive a free backpack filled with school supplies.

Some of the screenings that will be offered Saturday will cover spinal, vision, cholesterol and vascular checks. Other activities scheduled are zumba and taekwondo demonstrations, music action exercises, a Hoola Hoop contest and child car seat inspections.

The Mercy Mobile Digital Mammography Unit will also be present and parked outside the high school. A screening will take 15 minutes and will be performed in the privacy of the mobile unit. To schedule an appointment, call 314-251-6300 or 1-800-46-3742.

Children’s activities include free face painting and appearances from the Wright City Wildcat, Louie the Lightning Bug, Sniffasaurus and Ronald McDonald.

“We are trying to keep with a carnival-type atmosphere,” Hoffman said.

Other event sponsors this year include SSM Medical Group, Cardinal Glennon, Mercy, HealthCare USA and KWRE/KFAV.

For more information on Saturday’s health fair, call the health department at 636-456-7474.