Pictured alongside MGH Police officers Moe Isenhart and Robert Curry is Margo Johnson, who chairs the MGH Chelsea Family Summer Safety Fair planning committee.
The MGH Chelsea Family Summer Safety Fair originated sixteen years ago through the collaborative efforts of Margo Johnson and Jeanette McWilliams, the MGH Chelsea administrative director.
The inaugural fair drew between 250 and 300 attendees to the MGH Chelsea HealthCare Center parking lot. Over the years, participation has increased substantially, with the 2012 edition attracting 650 people and establishing itself as a premier family gathering throughout the municipality.
Johnson remarked, “We focus on the age group of 4 to 16 years old and we do that because there is a Massachusetts law that you have to wear a helmet while on wheels,”
On Saturday, June 15, from noon to 3 p.m., the 16th Annual MGH Safety Fair takes place at MGH Chelsea HealthCare Center, 151 Everett Avenue.
Under Johnson’s leadership, the MGH Safety Fair committee will distribute complimentary bicycle helmets to young attendees and conduct a free bicycle raffle. To qualify for a helmet and raffle entry, children must complete a circuit through designated stations.
Beyond the helmet giveaway, the program features hula hoop competitions, jump rope contests, zumba activities, bike helmet decoration stations, and an appearance by the beloved McGruff the Crime Dog. Participants will enjoy complimentary slush, bottled water, and light refreshments, with DJ Shorty supplying live musical performances throughout the afternoon.
The Masons, which includes Chamber of Commerce president Arthur Arsenault, will operate a Child Identification Program in partnership with the Chelsea Police Department. Johnson explained, “The Masons have been fabulous in their cooperation with our event every year,”
A smokehouse demonstration will be conducted by the Chelsea Fire Department. The Chelsea Collaborative, Chelsea Connection, and the REACH Program will maintain information stations as well.
Johnson added, “The goal of this event is to educate kids and parents about home, fire, bicycle, and automobile safety tips,”
The organizing committee has invested considerable effort over several months in preparation and promotion. Dr. Mary Bourque, Superintendent of Schools, endorses the event and facilitates the distribution of 5,000 promotional flyers to students across Chelsea schools.
What accounts for the MGH Chelsea Safety Fair’s emergence as one of the city’s most celebrated occasions, alongside events like the annual Family Literacy Fair at the Chelsea Public Library and the Chamber of Commerce’s Breakfast with Santa?
Debby Valdes, a committee member, noted that “I think with the schools’ involvement and the committee’s [public relations] efforts, we attract people from not only Chelsea, but East Boston, Everett, and Revere and people look forward to this fun event and they can learn a lot about safety,”
Susan Thomas, another committee member, emphasized that the free nature of the event represents “a nice day out for the children and the parents.” According to Thomas, “They spend the day here learning about safety and there are a lot of free things and a lot of knowledge and the kids enjoy it with the music and the different activities,”
Jane Jordan, serving on the committee, observes that the expressions of joy on children’s faces throughout the fair are truly invaluable. “I just love watching the looks on those kids’ faces, especially at the free book table,” Jordan stated. “They are having so much fun. When we’re getting near the end of the fair and they’re all doing the hula hooping and the dancing, which they’re so good at it – just seeing their smiles, I just think this event is so nice for the kids. And it’s a kickoff to the summer for them and they’re getting educated about safety and what they should be doing when they’re riding their bicycles.”
The committee naturally hopes for favorable weather conditions for this outdoor celebration, though contingency tents will be available should rain occur.