A state legislator partnered with a nonprofit in his district to host a back to school event meant to help kids prepare to return to classrooms, but also hang out with some first responders and get up close to equipment villages use.
The Kids Fair, hosted by state Senator Dan McConchie, R-Hawthorn Woods, and Foglia YMCA in Lake Zurich — and held there too — attracted an estimated 1,000 people Saturday.
“It’s really important to get these kids plugged back into school, to a rhythm, to really help their educational experience,” McConchie said about the free event.
His 26th District includes all or parts of the towns of Palatine, Lake Zurich, Wauconda, Algonquin, Barrington, Mundelein and Libertyville.
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At the Kids Fair, children could greet a variety of career professionals, including fire department personnel and small business owners, while collecting giveaways and participating in other activities.
McConchie said one goal of the event was to show kids “what they can become when they grow up.
“They can be a first responder, they can be a police officer, they can work in construction; so many different options,” he said. “And at this age, that’s really what they’re interested in.”
The fair included exhibitors, a chance for kids to touch big rigs and tankers, including a fire truck, and there were activities such as face painting. Free boxes of school supplies were also distributed by Foglia YMCA.
Foglia YMCA Executive Director Mike LaManna said that the Y, as an organization, wants “to help everybody.
“We’re all inclusive. We do a lot of scholarships. We send kids to camp, we put kids in programming.”
David and Cori Michael, of Lake Zurich, attended with their children May, 2, and Molly, 9 months.
Cori Michael said said the family is a member of the Y and had attended swim class before stepping out to the fair.
“I’m excited that it’s here and they’re (children) learning about trucks,” said Cori Michael. “We do go to preschool so we talk about school.”
A large truck operated by Weidner’s Septic Service Inc. of Buffalo Grove was on display for children to get into and behind the wheel.
Lauren Reyes, vice president of Weidner’s Septic Service Inc., staffed a community table at the event and also distributed giveaways, including candy.
Reyes, a third generation operator of family business, said she likes to “get out there in the community and show our business and explain what we do and give out to the community.”
Elbek and Maggie Kurbanov, of Hawthorn Woods, both university professors, attended the Kids Fair with their infant son Leo, and William, 2, and were ready to show the youngsters what the fair could teach them.
“Education is really big in our house,” said Maggie Kurbanov. “Everything is a learning opportunity.