Fan favorites and a number of new events will mark this year's Long Lake Fire Department Kids' Day Saturday, Oct. 11.

Back from previous years will be the opportunity to get up close and have their picture taken with a Long Lake fire truck.

But it's the new events that will make this year special, according to Long Lake Fire Department Lt. Jesse Chappell.

One of the new wrinkles is a silent auction to have Fire Chief James Van Eyll perform a home inspection.

"The chief will be coming out, looking at the home, pointing things out, making suggestions and will even help the family put together a rescue plan with things like meeting places," Chappell said.

Other new events for 2008 include a safety demonstration by Minnegasco, an extrication demonstration at 12:30 p.m. and an airlift demonstration around the same time.

"The airlift is really dependent on the weather," Chappell said. "But they're pretty flexible, so unless they have a real situation, they should be there."

There will also be a coloring contest where winning artists' work will be displayed at one of the Long Lake Fire Stations; and children will have a chance to earn a Junior Fire Chief certificate.

Appealing to children and allowing them to have fun, plus informative experiences, Chappell said, are keys to getting the word out about fire prevention and safety.

"We try to go all out, because when you get the kids out, you get the parents there, too," Chappell said. "This is a big opportunity for us to get in touch, get in front of the residents."

While he couldn't give an exact date as to when Kids' Day began, Chappell said the tradition of engaging the community - the children in particular - dates back as far as the department itself.

"As long as the department has been around they've been doing some sort of meeting or open house," Chappell said. "Usually about 200 to 300 people show up and we're hoping we get at least that many this year."

Events will run from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Long Lake Fire Department Station 1, 340 Willow Drive, Orono. For more information go to www.longlakefire.org.

This article was first published Oct. 7 on our website, www.mnsun.com. Visit the site for your daily local news, including next-day city council and school board coverage.

Events will run from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Long Lake Fire Department Station 1, 340 Willow Drive, Orono. For more information go to www.longlakefire.org.

This article was first published Oct. 7 on our website, www.mnsun.com. Visit the site for your daily local news, including next-day city council and school board coverage.