Holley Kids Fair a fun learning experience

Safety first - Firefighters show children how to properly use a fire extinguisher during the fourth annual Safety and Prevention Kids Fair at Holley Elementary School. Students received demonstrations by Holley Karate, police and fire departments and the U.S. Coast Guard. Laidlaw was also on hand with the Talking School Bus. "If even one child is helped by what they learned, then it was worth it," said Holley Karate's Larry Quaranto, who organized the event. Submitted photo.

Holley Kids Fair a fun learning experience

On Saturday, May 13, Holley Karate presented the 4th annual Safety & Prevention Kids Fair. This year's event far exceeded the expectations of its organizer, Sempai Larry Quaranto. "Each year, efforts are made to improve over the prior year and this year was no exception," he said.

This year Karl Biedlingmaier, both a Holley Karate student and a lieutenant with the Clarendon Fire Department, took charge of organizing the fire safety and prevention portion of the event. He recruited support from the Clarendon Fire Company, Walker Fire Department and Holley Fire Department and borrowed equipment from both the Brockport and Scottsville Fire Departments. Some of the activities included a visit in the Smoke House, target spraying of the fire hose, lessons and actual experiences with fire extinguishers, going inside a fire truck and trying on the fire gear.

Quaranto, certified by the National Security Alliance in Child Danger Awareness and owner of Holley Karate, conducted a demonstration on the importance of understanding what a predator and stranger are and what children should do if they find themselves in a threatening situation. He and his students also demonstrated a wide range of karate skills. In addition, Officer Dave Sevor was on hand promoting the D.A.R.E. program while Biedlingmaier, of the Clarendon Fire Department, provided the kids with some do's and don't of fire safety. Laidlaw Educational Service provided a Talking School Bus that entertained as well as educated the kids on bus rules and safety.

Other organizations participating were the Holley PTSA, the U.S. Coast Guard, Liberty Mutual Insurance and NY Child Safety Seat Inspection.

Senator George Maziarz was on hand to meet and greet the record 300 children and parents who turned out for the event. Through a special grant, Maziarz secured $1,500 that he presented to Quaranto. Maziarz applauded the efforts and concern on behalf of the kids in the community by Holley Karate, Superintendent of Holley Schools Robert D'Angelo, the local police and fire departments and all who supported the event. When asked why he organized the event Quarranto said, "It's for the kids. They are our future, yet today's environment places them in often threatening situations. As a parent and a teacher I have made it a priority to provide opportunities for our kids to learn about how to stay safe."

The money provided by Senator Maziarz, in addition to money donated by local businesses and individuals went toward the purchase of the Safety & Prevention Kids Fair t-shirt given to each child as well as a wide assortment of door prizes ranging from ice cream cones to bicycles. There were 27 children that walked away that day with a brand new bicycle.