Free teen health fair in Hannibal on Feb. 1 to offer fun, education for teens, parents

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The CHART Teen Task Force will hold its 28th annual Teen Health Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Admiral Coontz Recreation Center.

The fair features 40 booths on health and safety for teens, a DJ with music, a photo booth and free food for all visitors. Teens who visit at least 25 booths will be eligible for prize drawings. Prizes include St. Louis Cardinals tickets, sunglasses, tickets to the Mark Twain Cave and Mark Twain Museum, gift certificates to area restaurants and cash. The final drawing will be for $100 cash.

At the Health Fair, teens can put on fire-fighting gear and work like a fireman. Hannibal Career and Technical Center will allow teens to try a new hairstyle. Teens can learn CPR and learn about dental health. Information on electrical safety, mental health issues, abstinence, contraception, sexually transmitted diseases, and effects of drugs, alcohol and vaping will be presented. Booths will include the University Extensions Smoothie bike using pedal power to run the blender, and the Missouri Department of Conservation will show off its snakes.

This free teen event is designed to promote healthy lifestyle choices for teens and is an opportunity for church youth groups, scout troops, school groups and families with teens to combine fun and learning.

In a press release, Sandra Ahlum, chairperson of the CHART Teen Task Force, said, “Teens and their parents can experience a variety of educational booths and demonstrations which can enhance asset development and a healthy lifestyle.”

The Teen Health Fair is made possible by donations from area merchants and individuals, the Riedel Foundation, Evening Kiwanis, Healthy Blue and Home State Health. The event is co-sponsored by the CHART Teen Task Force and Hannibal Parks and Recreation.

Contact Leigh Ann Bergman at 822-4271 for more information.