The Eighth Annual Spring Fun Fair is a Free Family Festival

The eighth annual Spring Fun Fair will take place on Saturday, May 16, from 10:00am to 1:00pm at Mountain View Adventure Center, 510 E. Algonquin Road and across the street in the Juno Lighting parking lot. All activities, entertainment, and events are free to the public.

The popular Touch a Truck, sponsored by the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce, will be in the Juno Lighting Parking Lot. Kids of all ages are invited to get behind the wheel of big rigs, construction trucks, and road equipment and explore fire engines, police cars, and emergency vehicles. It is a hands-on opportunity that puts kids in the driver’s seat and teaches them about the City of Des Plaines’ public safety equipment.

The Pet & Pedal Parade, sponsored by the Des Plaines City Special Events Commission kicks off at 11:00am with awards and prizes immediately following. This year there are no dogs allowed due to concerns with dog influenza. Registration is from 10:00am-11:00am in the parking lot of Mountain View Adventure Center. Participants can compete in ten categories ranging from best theme and best dressed to best helmet and best wheels.

Two popular attractions back for another year are the bike Safety Town for young riders sponsored by Maine Township, and free bike helmets for the first 100 children who need them, sponsored by the Des Plaines Community Foundation and Healthy Community Partnership.

Kids can also test their skills on the Lattof YMCA Climbing Wall and try their luck in an oversized, inflatable obstacle course sponsored by the Des Plaines Park District. The Park District will also be running a Kids’ 100-yard dash at 11:00am on the Prairie Lakes field. Children will be divided into three age groups: 3-5, 6-9, and 10-13. Ribbons will be awarded for First, Second, and Third place in each age group.

Additional activities sponsored by The University of Illinois Masters Gardner Program, Des Plaines Garden Club, and Crime Stoppers will also be available. Several community participants will be on hand including; City of Des Plaines Health and Human Services, Presence Holy Family Medical Center, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Suburban Primary Health Care Council, Walmart, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Des Plaines Public Library, and Shift to Green.

The Spring Fun Fair promises something for everyone in the family…and it is all free!

Free parking is available in the Juno Lighting parking lot. For more information visit www.DPParks.org or call 847-391-5700.

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Caption: And they’re off! Bike riders parade around the path of Prairie Lakes Park led by State Representative, Marty Moylan at the 2014 Annual Parade. The parade is sponsored by the Des Plaines City Special Events Commission. Because of current concerns with dog influenza, dogs will not be allowed to attend this year’s parade.

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Caption: How high can you go? Kids love to test their mettle on the YMCA climbing wall at the Spring Fun Fair.

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Caption: Kids have fun while learning safe road rules at Safety Town, sponsored by Maine Township.

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Caption: Alivia Owen feels accomplished after conquering the Bounce Obstacle course at the Spring Fun Fair.

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Caption: Sohil Pathak gets fitted for a free bike helmet compliments of Des Plaines Community Foundation and Healthy Community Partnership.