DHS to host WesTen Community Fair April 11

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) will host the 2015 WesTen Community Fair on April 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 7201 N.W. 10th Street in Oklahoma City.

WesTen is a nonprofit organization that sponsors the community fair each year for families who live on or near the 10th Street corridor in northwest Oklahoma City. DHS is a major sponsor of the event and hosts the festivities on the grounds just behind the DHS county office building near N.W. 10th and Rockwell.

"Every year we have more than 800 families and children attend this event," said Betty Gordon, DHS supervisor. "It's a great example of the collaborative effort between DHS, civic groups, faith-based organizations, businesses, and nonprofits as we work to improve our community."

Entertainment will be provided by the John Glenn Jet Stream dancers, the Not Just Country Line Dancing senior tap dancers, and the Choctaw Indian dance group Chokka Klimia. Free children's books will be given away by the Bethany Public Library and Feed the Children, and the Oklahoma City Energy Football Club will provide a large, inflatable goal for those who want to test their soccer skills.

"This is a safe and fun event that provides resources to families as well as providing great entertainment," said Gordon. "We couldn't do this without our community partners. We're so proud of them and of our DHS staff as we work together to serve families."

Other community partners participating in the WesTen event are OU Health Sciences Center, Lions Club vision screening, the News9 Storm Tracker truck, the Oklahoma City police and fire departments, Family Expectations, the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Department, the Red Cross, and DHS Child Support Services and Child Protective Services. Students from Upward Bound OSU-OKC will serve as volunteers during the event.

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