Children's Services Council of Martin County educates community at the fair through games and prizes

MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. - The fair has something for people of all ages, and Wednesday night, that included a free education on ways to keep smiles on children's faces long after the midway is closed.

The 53rd annual Martin County Fair offers the old favorites, like roller coasters, spinning tea cups and the swings. A new addition is the "family fun corner." The Children's Services Council of Martin County rounded up several other agencies, and together, volunteers set up the family-oriented booth.

"We have a lot going on. It's a long week. A lot of kids running around, getting free stuff. It's a lot of fun, and it's a big team effort," said Children's Services Council spokeswoman Suzanne Wentley.

The goal is to educate the community about resources that help children. Wentley says fairgoers have been receptive to the outreach.

"We fund after school programs, child abuse prevention, swim lessons, early learning programs, maternal health, so a lot of people are unaware of all the stuff that Martin County has to offer," said Wentley.

Children eat up the free games, popcorn and prizes. And they are learning a few lessons along the way, like sharing and the dangers of smoking.

The Council provides funding to 19 Martin County agencies. Seven are represented at the family fun corner. Wentley says as many as a couple thousand people have already visited the booth.