Fire District 9 to host family-friendly ‘demo day’ at station in Mead
A free, family-focused event in Mead next month will feature a blood drive, live firefighting demonstrations, CPR training, food vendors and activities for children.
Spokane County’s Fire District 9 will host its annual Demo Day and Wellness Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 3 at the department’s training center at 3801 E. Farwell Road.
The purpose of the event is “to let our community know who we are and what we do and how we do it,” said Christine Hamp, division chief of Fire District 9. It will also bring together more than 50 local businesses and nonprofits, so attendees can get information about the resources available to them, Hamp said.
Participating organizations include Costco, Fred Meyer, Kaiser Permanente, the state Department of Natural Resources, the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service, the YMCA and the West Plains Beekeeper Association.
Attendees can try out fire extinguishers, practice CPR and learn how to safeguard their homes from wildland fires. There also will be a photo booth, bike helmet fitting, free facials and massages, Mediterranean cuisine from the Skewers food truck and beverages from Daily Habit Espresso.
The Inland Northwest Blood Center will have a donation truck on-site to host a blood drive, and local firefighters will demonstrate car rescues and other operations. Firetrucks, equipment and a Life Flight helicopter will be on display.
Children will have the opportunity to participate in fire safety and exit drills, and take pictures with Smokey Bear and Sparky the Fire Dog.
The event also will feature a “junior challenge course” where children can try their hand at various firefighting techniques. They’ll suit up in real firefighting gear, spray water at a target and drag a dummy made of heavy fire hose.
Hamp said the event is entering its fifth year and has grown to involve up to 600 people.
“It’s getting to be a pretty good-size event,” she said.