8th Annual Spring Fun Fair Draws Hundreds

On May 16, families across Des Plaines came together to enjoy free activities at the 8th annual Spring Fun Fair held at Mountain View Adventure Center and Juno Lighting. Kids ran the 50-Yard Dash, bounced in the inflatable obstacle course, climbed the Lattof YMCA Wall, and played a round of Foot-Golf. The Des Plaines Community Foundation and Healthy Community Partnership fit 100 children with free bike helmets, the Coast Guard Auxiliary held a safety quiz, Crime Stoppers made fresh popcorn, and the Des Plaines History Center along with the local 4-H chapter were dressed in pioneer wear and offered visitors a feel from early America with craft making and displays.

Across the street, at Juno Lighting, the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce sponsored the popular Touch a Truck event. Children climbed aboard City of Des Plaines Emergency Management vehicles, ambulances, police cars, and public works trucks, as well as big rigs from local businesses and the Park District. “This is a wonderful event for families, and it gets bigger every year,” said Linda Traina, Superintendent of Recreation for the Des Plaines Park District. “It’s great to see so many come out to enjoy the park, the weather, and learn about everything our City has to offer.”

For more information about events at the Des Plaines Park District, visit www.DPParks.org or call 847-391-5700.

Photo: 1

Caption: Matthew and Ella Acuna, get fitted for free bike helmets compliments of the Des Plaines Community Foundation and Healthy Community Partnership.

Photo: 2

Caption: Alivia Castaneda, 6, and Taylor Ramirez, 7, make tin-can telephones with the help of 4-H member Ella Maad at the Spring Fun Fair on May 16.

Photo: 3

Caption: Emily Kmiec, 5, flying to the finish on the inflatable obstacle course sponsored by the Des Plaines Park District at the Spring Fun Fair on May 16.

Photo: 4

Caption: Members of the Northwest Cook Spotlight Youth Theater performed a number from their upcoming show at the Spring Fun Fair. The troupe will perform Great American Tall Tails at Prairie Lakes Theater May 22-31.

Photo: 5

Caption: Katelyn Dahl and Stephanie Bennett race to the finish during the 50-yard dash sponsored by the Des Plaines Park District at the Spring Fun Fair on May 16.

Photo: 6

Caption: Brian Hoffman, 4, gets the feel for driving a real fire engine at the Touch a Truck event at the Spring Fun Fair on May 16.

Photo: 7

Caption: Three-year-old Oliver Deteloft got the “okay” to smash a car with a hammer at the May 16 Spring Fun Fair.