Batman, Unspoken, Citizen Way coming to Meigs County Fair Kids Day

POMEROY, Ohio – Something new is coming to Kids Day at the Meigs County Fair.

This year the Meigs County Fair will have only one Kids Day instead of two, but the day promises to be something to remember. On Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2018 through a cooperative effort, the fair will be the first in the state to have a drug prevention and mental health awareness day. Special activities and events will be happening throughout the day at the fair for youth and their families to spread the message of “Be Present: Your presence is a present.”

“The Be Present campaign educates and empowers peers, friends, classmates and siblings of at-risk youth to ‘step up’ and provide needed support. It also makes youth more aware of and able to address their own emotional state. With their own cups ‘full,’ they become more willing and able to step up and speak out in a supportive manner,” according to the campaign website. The initiative includes drug prevention, anti-bullying, along with mental health and suicide prevention.

For years there have been electronic giveaways during Kids Day at the fair, this year there will be giveaways as well, but will offer a wider range of items. There will be giveaways during a presentation which includes Batman and Wonder Woman with the Hopemobile. Scene on national television programs such as the Today Show, John Buckland also known as West Virginia’s Batman will bring his unique message of hope and that “tough things make us stronger” to young and old alike at the Hill Stage. In addition to seeing Batman in his movie quality suit, Wonder Woman will also be there to bring a positive message too. The Hopemobile, a replica of car Michael Keaton drove in “Batman” will also be at the fair. The first program starts at noon on Aug. 14 and then again at 2 p.m. at the Hill Stage.

The program will also have motivational speaker, Javier Sanchez described as bringing, “His challenge to audiences is simple yet potentially life changing; Smile, be thankful, and leave people better than how you found them. As an author, performer, and filmmaker, Javier has the opportunity to deliver life building messages to both youth and adults while keeping them entertained through comedy, spoken word poetry, and powerful stories from his own life. Javier’s experience and expertise in effective student and community engagement / empowerment comes from his work with the Youth to Youth International Program both in the United States and abroad.”

Hundreds of bags will be prepared next week in preparation for the event. Organizers are hoping to have every child receive a “goodie bag” in addition to the giveaways that will be going on at the Hill Stage.

The drug prevention and mental health awareness addition to Kids Day is a cooperative effort of Sheriff Keith Wood, Prosecutor Stanley, Meigs County Extension Office Michelle Stumbo and Robin Harris with the ADAMH Board.

Additionally, the positive message of the day will continue into the evening with Tri-County Christian Concerts presenting contemporary Christian bands Unspoken and Citizen Way. There is no additional fee to attend the concert, it is included in admission to the fair. Citizen Way will perform at the Grandstand beginning at 6:30 p.m. and Unspoken will begin at 8 p.m.

Admission is free for children under 12 until noon on Aug. 14. It does not include ride hand stamp. A hand stamp for rides is $5.

More information will be coming leading up to the 155th Meigs County Fair with more details on Kids Day.