The Duncan Banner

Local News

August 2, 2012

Lawler: Safety, school and fun

Fiesta in Fuqua organizers ready for eighth year

Rebeka Rutledge The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — School days are just around the corner for the 2012-13 school year and a great way to get started is to check out Fiesta in Fuqua this weekend. Several services and supplies will be provided for free to children of school age.

The 8th annual event, which is sponsored by New Hope Baptist Church West, will take place from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday in Fuqua Park.

To receive a sack of school supplies, the child must participate in 10 of the available activities being held in Fuqua Park. There will be a variety such as bicycle races, hopscotch, throwing a ball at a dunk tank, bean bag toss, basketball, jump rope and many more.

The OU nursing staff from Duncan Regional Hospital will be manning the First Aid station.

They also will be checking height and weight of children as part of the event.

The main focus of those in charge of the Fiesta are child fitness, health, safety, back to school preparation and having fun.

“There are going to be 1,116 sacks (of school supplies) available this year,” said Daisy Lawler, event organizer. “We are getting those ready and sorting them by grade level and making sure each level has the correct supplies.” In the past, the supply bags have quickly been distributed, since it is a first come, first serve basis.

As in the past, there will be free immunizations provided through the Oklahoma Caring Van. Lawler said that the child’s shot records must be brought in order to receive them.

Free eye screenings will be provided by Dr. Jeffrey Edwards with Duncan Family Eye Care and dental screenings will be given by Dr. Jared Davis.

A booth for getting a Child ID kit will also be available.

“The Farm Bureau will also be there with their fire safety trailer and the Duncan Fire Department will have one of their trucks there,” Lawler said.

Among those activities, there will be several chances for free goods such as a hot dog meal, a variety of drinks, snow cones and popcorn.

Children will have the opportunity to win items such as bowling, skating and movie passes. Kiddieland rides will be free.

Many businesses and individuals coordinate efforts to make Fiesta in Fuqua a success.

Donations play a big part in its growing success.

Lawler said that child attendance grows about 100 each year and throughout the morning there are about 3,000 people in the park.

“It’s a community effort and it is appreciated,” she said. “It’s really needed and I always get a good response from parents about how helpful it was to their family.”

In case of rain, the event will be moved to New Hope Baptist West at 200 S. 42nd St.

There are two large facilities that have plenty of room to host the activities.

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