Hey, kids: Looking for something fun to do on a spring Saturday? Join us for the Kids Care Fair at Rancho Springs Medical Center (RSMC). Turn off the cartoons, because you'll meet your favorite comic and cartoon characters in person right here.

We'll also have door prizes and lots of healthy treats, including turkey hot dogs and snow cones. You can bounce around in one of our four jump houses, play with arts and crafts or get your face painted.

If you want to see a helicopter land or check out a fire truck, look no further: Local police and fire departments and ambulance companies will be at the fair to show off their vehicles.

And it's all free!

"Last year, more than 4,000 people came to our first Kids Care Fair. This year we expect even more," says Marketing Coordinator Teri Waites. "We have something for kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens."

Adults Are Welcome, Too
While kids are having fun, parents and parents-to-be can educate themselves with information from booths staffed by health and medical experts, including pediatricians, OB/GYNs and dietitians specializing in children's nutrition. "Several people who came to last year's event chose pediatricians and OB/GYNs after meeting them in person at the Fair," Ms. Waites says.

Learning Can Be Fun
The Surgical Services Booth was a hit with both kids and adults last year. Diane Lefebvre, Director of Perioperative Services at Southwest Healthcare System, and Kathy Reavis, Manager of Perioperative Services at RSMC, helped kids dress up in gloves and masks to play the Operation board game. Parents and kids asked questions about surgery, ranging from "How does an intravenous line work?" to "Can I bring my doll with me?"

Kids played "doctor" with baby dolls and toy stethoscopes and thermometers while they waited to take a turn. "I think we really were able to get across the idea that surgery doesn't have to be scary," Ms. Lefebvre says.

All This and More
Kids and adults can expect fun and educational activities at the Kids Care Fair, including:

• Tours of an ambulance, police car, fire truck and medical helicopter
• Door prizes, including bicycles and bicycle helmets
• A "Fit Kids" presentation
• Four jump houses
• Carnival games
• Face painting
• An "Ouch Clinic" for dolls and teddy bears
• A parade of babies born at RSMC and Inland Valley Medical Center
• 30 exhibit booths staffed by health and medical experts

Calling All Kids!
We look forward to seeing you under the big tents in the Rancho Springs Medical Center parking area on Saturday, May 9, from 11 AM to 3 PM. For more information about the Kids Care Fair, please call 951-696-6060 or visit www.swhcs.com.

Inland Valley Medical Center 36485 Inland Valley Drive, Wildomar, CA 92595 (951) 677-1111 Rancho Springs Medical Center 25500 Medical Center Drive, Murrieta, CA 92562 (951) 696-6000