Oconto County Health and Safety Fair returns

More than 30 Oconto County businesses, agencies and nonprofits participate
By: 
Warren Bluhm
Editor-in-chief

The Eagle III rescue helicopter settled on the Oconto Falls Elementary School parking lot not far from the Oconto County Sheriff’s Department military-style command vehicle, the Oconto Falls Ambulance Service’s new ambulance and an interactive smokehouse that simulates a burning building.

The occasion was the Oconto County Health and Safety Fair, an annual event that had been suspended since the pandemic. More than 30 businesses, government and nonprofit agencies set up booths and demonstrations around the parking lot and inside the gymnasium May 6 with informative displays about their services.

The family-friendly event is organized by Oconto County Public Health and featured not only the technology and equipment of emergency agencies but information about stroke awareness, eye health, nutrition and health care for all ages.

Children could have their faces painted or get a balloon animal, get their pictures taken with Sparky the Fire Dog or Skye from Paw Patrol or tour the giant heart looming over a corner of the gym, courtesy of Bellin Health. They could also patch up a fuzzy friend in the Teddy Bear Injury Clinic.

Older adults could learn about Medicare and other health insurance options, and active adults could find out more about kayak, ATV and snowmobile safety.

Across North Farm Road at the United Methodist Church, parents could get their child car seats checked for safety and durability, and up the hill a confidential shredding service had a truck parked at the school district office building.

Turbo and Prinz, the county sheriff’s department K-9 deputies, gave live demonstrations. Collections were also taken for non-perishable food items, hygiene items and gently used medical equipment, glasses and hearing aids.