Nothing spooky about health at fair

What does Jack Sparrow have to do with dental screenings and child safety seats?

Not much.

But all three -- Halloween, health and safety -- were brought together Saturday for Sherman Hospital's Halloween Family Fun Fair at The Centre of Elgin.

The annual fair uses Halloween fun and games to educate area kids and parents about children's health and safety.

This year's fair saw one of the highest turnouts in the 21-year history of the event. Organizers estimated about 2,000 people visited the tables and activities inside and outside The Centre.

"We have a fabulous turnout -- much better this year," said Tina Link, wellness coordinator for Sherman Hospital. "It's a lot of fun."

With all of the games and freebies, kids agreed.

Tajah Bonner of Elgin, who was dressed as a Native American princess, said her favorite part of the fair was the face painting.

Then she reconsidered.

"Actually, we love all of it," Tajah said.

Tajah and her brother entered the costume contest. Kids in costumes ranging from Spiderman to Buzz Lightyear lined up to pose with "Pirates of the Caribbean's" Captain Jack Sparrow, who bore a striking resemblance to his screen counterpart.

But the focus of the fair was children's and parents' health. To that end, Sherman and local health care providers offered free screenings for diabetes, hypertension, dental cavities and other common ailments.

Elgin resident Linda Scham was glad she brought her son to the fair. After a free screening, dentists informed her that her son might have a cavity.

But after that news, potentially scary for a young child, Scam's son, dressed as a firefighter, was jumping around in an inflatable outside The Centre.

"The kids are having a good time," Scham said. "I think it's useful."

The fair also addressed parents' safety concerns. Children could get photo identification cards, fingerprints and dental impressions -- all as a means to identify them in case of emergency.

"It's fun," said Felicia Chu, an Elgin dentist. "We're just trying to educate them at the same time about how to take care of their teeth."