McLaren to host Children’s Health Fair April 18 at Petoskey Middle School – Petoskey News-Review

Health education and resources are the main themes of the 31st annual Children’s Health Fair, which will be hosted by McLaren Northern Michigan on April 18 at Petoskey Middle School.
The health fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with complimentary lunches from Little Bay Gourmet available to any child accompanied by at least one adult. The public event is designed to make health education engaging and accessible, offering a wide range of interactive stations and demonstrations focused on physical, dental and emotional well-being.
The event has taken unexpected breaks in recent years. It was canceled from 2020-2023 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. After returning in 2024, the Children’s Health Fair was again canceled last year because of the region’s massive ice storm. Organizers are now hoping for their largest turnout yet.
“Our main goal is to provide information to families about the resources available to them to support children’s health,” said McLaren Northern Michigan Director of Patient Care Services Megan Smith. “We want to promote the importance of healthy fun and any events that make it possible.”
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Children can participate in hands-on activities that teach them such valuable lessons as proper nutrition, recommended exercise habits, basic first aid and health hygiene. Health care professionals will also be on-site to answer questions and provide guidance, while parents can access resources related to child development and preventive care. Smith expects around 30 vendors to attend.
“It’s about helping children get comfortable in a (health care) setting,” Smith said.
More than 350 children and 260 adults attended the 2024 health fair. McLaren Northern Michigan also plans to host a free family photo booth, live music and the opportunity for children to meet with first responders.
“This is the only (local) event that we host, market and organize ourselves in this area,” Smith said. “The great thing is that families can get what they need to support their health needs, for both children and adults, right here in their own community. We want to celebrate that.”
Learn more about the event and the hospital at mclaren.org/northern-michigan.

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