Cherokee County child abuse task force to host family fun day Oct. 5

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Cherokee County child abuse task force will host a family fun day on Oct. 5, 2013 at Phoenix Park in Tahlequah from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public.

"This event is for all families, not just families affected by abuse and neglect," says Cherokee County DHS child welfare specialist Dana Rogers. "And it's a great time for kids to see officers, firemen and first responders in a neutral setting not associated with a traumatic event."

Firefighters, police officers and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) will cook hotdogs, offer fingerprinting for children, and provide guided tours of an ambulance and a medical helicopter.

Rogers says one of the most popular attractions at the event is the "Dunk a Lawyer" water tank. Area attorneys have been recruited to participate and organizers say it should be a highlight of the day's activities.

Musical entertainment will include Mason Jar Revival at 10:30 a.m. and Joe's Red Barn Band at 12:30 p.m.

"All the firemen, policemen, EMTs and lawyers work so hard," says Rogers. "We appreciate all they do for our children."

Information about child abuse prevention and how to become a foster or adoptive parent will be available at the DHS booth at the event. For additional information, call the Cherokee County DHS office at 800-225-9868.

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