HOULTON, Maine — Bess the Book Bus is coming back to Shiretown, and this time she is bringing some friends.
The Aid for Kids organization is sponsoring a children’s fair at the Millar Arena in Houlton on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m.
“Bess the Book Bus will be on hand with free books, and there will be a free science show with hands on science activities by Mad Science of Maine,” said Danette Ellis, one of the event organizers. “This is a fun, interactive, educational science presentation that all ages will enjoy. The Houlton and Presque Isle Elk’s Clubs will have a drug awareness booth, and the Masons will have a Child Identification booth to give parents the opportunity to make a kit of identifying materials of their child.”
Bess the Book Bus is a mobile literacy van that travels across the country giving free books to school-age children.
In addition, the Up There Woodturners will demonstrate their craft and Danya Boyce from the Houlton Band of Maliseets will have a booth on Native American basket making.
Lowe’s will also be on site with “Build and Grow” kits, which are building projects that the kids can construct with the help of a Lowe’s employee.
The Maine Forest Service helicopter and pilot will be available to explain the mission of the Forest Service, while members of the Maine State Police will have a driving simulator and fatal vision goggles for all to try. And to further reinforce the importance of responsible driving, Judy Bouchard will have a booth on distracted driving.
The Aroostook County Action Program will have a booth on oral hygiene; Bangor Savings Bank will be available to open new savings accounts, to which the bank will donate the first $5; Took a Leap Farm will have a demonstration; and the County Clownz will be on hand to help entertain the crowd.
For more information on the Mad Science of Maine, visit their website at www.madscienceofmaine.org.
“We are also going to have collection boxes for Catholic Charities as they recycle gently used clothing, belts and purses,” Ellis said. “We will also have a box for the Houlton Humane Society where people can drop any of the following items: inkjet and laser cartridges, cell phones with all cords and cables, any beauty containers, shampoo containers, conditioner, body wash and dairy tubs-plastic tubs like margarine, cottage cheese and yogurt. We are just trying to help Catholic Charities and the Humane Society by having collection bins. It is a win-win as it keeps thing out of the landfill and they can get cash for them.”
Katahdin Valley Health Center will have a booth, as will Dr. Johnson, a pediatric dentist from St. Apollonia Dental Clinic in Presque Isle. Customs and Border Protection will have its “Rapi Scan” vehicle.
“There will be games, prizes, free books, popcorn, balloons and a free barbecue,” Ellis said. “Mark your calendars and plan to join us for this fun.”
