Kids have their day in S. Elgin
Rasmi Sengpraseuth wanted to find out more about local community resources for kids, and her 5-year-old son is one passionate little Chicago Bears fan.
So South Elgin’s Kids Day 2012 on Saturday made the perfect outing. With 30 vendors catering to children and families, and a guest appearance by former Chicago Bears running back Adrian Peterson, the South Elgin mother and son were more than satisfied.
“It seems like there are lots of different vendors. I am trying to see what they offer and how to get involved more in the community,” said Sengpraseuth as her son Jared, clad in a Bears jersey, practiced karate chops at one of the booths.
The sixth annual event was held at the South Elgin Parks and Recreation Department, whose staff organizes the event sponsored by the FUNdation, a nonprofit organization, said Superintendent of Parks and Recreation Kim Wascher. This year’s event featured participants from local agencies and organizations in the areas of health, nutrition, education, finances, crime prevention, child safety and environmental awareness.
“We try to cover the whole gamut of what parents need know or want to do for their kids — or grandkids,” Wascher said.
Peterson was an especially apt choice for the event because he is now a stay-at-home dad and cares about children’s issues, said event organizer Krista McKinney, who works as a recreation assistant. Peterson played for the Bears for eight seasons through 2009.
“This is a great event because it is catered to health awareness for kids, which is really important,” Peterson said.
An integral part of being healthy is proper nutrition, said Courtney Johnson, of Next Generation Pediatrics in South Elgin. The business has participated in every Kids Day since it began. “Parents need to sit down more with their kids and have meals as a family,” said Johnson, who created a display showing portion sizes for foods, such as vegetables, fruit, protein, grains and more.
Parent Don Kuhlmey, of South Elgin, perused various booths after he signed up his three young sons for South Elgin’s Little League. “What did I like best? The free stuff!” Kuhlmey said, showing off a bag filled with toothbrushes, vitamins, candy and other goodies.