Community baby shower, kids health fair set for Friday

Boxes of baby items are ready to be given away at last year's Community Baby Shower. The prizes are paid for by grants. (Photos by Roger Sims/Linn County Journal)

MOUND CITY – The Community Baby Shower is back for a third year this Friday, June 23. The shower, which is popular with both expectant mothers as well as moms with infants and toddlers, is joined this year by the Kids Health and Safety Fair, which targets older children in addition to babies.

Sponsored by the Linn County Health Department, both events are free and will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church at the intersection of Kansas Highway 52 and Paine Road just east of Mound City.

One of the best parts of these events for parents: free hot dogs and chips will be served, so the kids get fed while parents learn some child care skills, win prizes, and discover agencies and companies around the county that can help their children be healthy.

Last year, the baby shower that was attended by more than 125 people gave away thousands of dollars worth of things like high chairs, strollers and similar items. This year, the focus is going to be on giving away passes for places where families can build memories.

A young attendee at last year's baby shower tries her luck in beating the quick bite of toy alligator "Chopper."

Amber Minchew, a department staff member, said that includes events like Royals games, zoo passes, museums and other regional attractions.

Some of the activities at this year’s event include Touch A Truck, where children of all ages can get up close to fire engines and other vehicles with tours by local firefighters and law enforcement officers. With summer weather forecasted, there will be water activities as well, and county firefighters will be manning a popsicle station.

Inside in classrooms, parents or parents-to-be can learn about safe sleep for their babies or how to make nutritious and safe baby food. A breast-feeding expert will also be on hand to answer questions.

About 20 vendors will be on hand to answer questions or promote products or services. Those vendors include Auburn Pharmacy, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Concern Inc., Roberts Family Dental Care, Parents as Teachers, Head Start, and K-State Research and Extension.