Cool temps and rain kept the crowds to a minimum at the fourth Annual Kids Safety Day in Syracuse

SYRACUSE — Mother Nature decided not to cooperate, bringing cool temperatures and rain to the area this weekend. The Syracuse Parks and Recreation Department hosted its fourth annual Kids Safety Day Saturday, April 30,hoping the rain would stay away.

Participating agencies and organizations included Syracuse Lions Club, Red Cross Disaster Action Team, Camp Mack, Syracuse Police Department, Turkey Creek Fire Territory, Cub Scout Pack No. 3828, Special Ops K-9, Lakeland Youth Center and the Syracuse-Wawasee Trails.

The American Red Cross also held a blood drive in Celebration Hall in the Syracuse Community Center.

Tyler McLead, program director for the Syracuse Parks Department, estimated about 100 people came to the community center before the rain came.

Children and their parents had an opportunity to learn about different aspects of safety. The Syracuse Police Department offered fingerprinting for children while the Turkey Creek Fire Territory brought its smoke house to teach children how to escape a house fire safely. Both agencies also brought their vehicles for children to check out.

The Lions Club handed out first aid kits while the Red Cross Disaster Action Team taught children what to do if someone was choking. Children also had an opportunity to win prizes by answering questions about safety.

Lakeland Youth Center offered an obstacle course. Special Ops K-9 brought Dolly, a rescued shepherd mix to demonstrate how dogs are trained to assist police officers.

Syracuse-Wawasee Trails offered a bike course to teach children about bicycle and road safety.