The Newberry Fire Department’s annual Kids Fun Day will be held Sunday, September 8 from 2-5 p.m. New this year, the event will take place at the future site of the City of Newberry’s recreation complex, located at 1786 Glenn Street Extension.

Fire Chief Keith Minick said while the event will be fun and is called Fun Day, they hope to use it as an educational opportunity for kids and families to portray a fire and life safety message and to also encourage those interested to get involved with an agency such as the fire service.

“We hope that they get lots of educational messages related to them by the fire service, law enforcement, EMS or another agency,” he said.

The event, which has been held for over 25 years originally started as a fishing rodeo for kids, but transitioned over time into the department’s Kids Fun Day. Minick said the fire department currently hosts an annual golf tournament in the spring and portions of the proceeds help support the Kids Fun Day event.

“We’re excited to host this at the city’s future recreation complex,” Minick said. “While the facility is not completed, it will give the public a chance for a sneak preview of what’s to come there at the complex.”

Drinks and food will be provided from several community organizations. There will also be games and giveaways to include bookbags for children with supplies donated from various organizations. Bookbags, sponsored by Komatsu this year, will be available while supplies last. Other vendors on site will also have giveaways for those in attendance.

Several fire trucks from both the city and county fire/rescue departments will be on display for the community to visit and look inside. The Newberry Police Department and Newberry County Sheriff’s Office along with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Newberry County EMS and other agencies will also be on hand to meet with the community.

The Red Cross will be on site to gather information from anyone, within the city or Newberry County that is in need of a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm for their home.
Inflatables will also be on site for children to enjoy as well as face-painting. The City’s Parks, Recreation and Tourism department will have additional outdoor games available through the RecMobile.

New this year, the University of South Carolina’s mascot, Cocky will be on site from 2:30-3:30 p.m. for photos and to spend time with visitors.

Lieutenant Chris Connelly said an event like this is a good way to get children out in the public, showing them what the fire service and other agencies do each and every day in the community.

“We had a great crowd last year and we really just want that to continue this year,” he said.

Anyone wishing to participate in this year’s event or become a sponsor can contact Connelly at the Newberry Fire Department at 803-321-1030.