PATTON TOWNSHIP — What started as a small gathering in the back of a parking lot has grown into one of Patton Township’s most anticipated community events.
The Patton Township Children’s Safety Fair will return for its 24th year on Saturday, May 16, bringing together first responders, local businesses and families for a day built on connection, education and fun.
“It started the whole way back in 2002, actually, when I started my career as a police officer,” Patton Township Police Chief Tyler Jolley said. “The first year we held it, it started out very small … really just kind of with first responders, so police, fire and EMS.”
Since then, the event has expanded significantly through a partnership with what is now known as the Happy Valley Business Association, incorporating local businesses and a wide variety of activities designed to engage both children and adults.
“The goal of our fair has always been just to build trust through positive experiences,” Jolley said.
Held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Colonnade, the free event features everything from bounce houses and obstacle courses to hands-on safety demonstrations and interactive exhibits with emergency responders.
While the event is geared toward children, Jolley said its appeal reaches far beyond that.
“It’s obviously titled the Children’s Safety Fair, but I’ll be honest, adults get just as much out of it,” he said. “It’s kind of a neat experience for anybody.”
Among the highlights are demonstrations and displays that give the public a closer look at the tools and equipment used by first responders. That includes a Bearcat armored vehicle, ladder truck rides provided by Alpha Fire Company and what Jolley described as one of the biggest draws each year — a helicopter landing by the Pennsylvania State Police aviation unit.
“They land right in the grass lot and they are very, very accommodating,” Jolley said. “The helicopter landing and the helicopter taking off are two of the most attentive moments.”
Additional attractions include a K-9 demonstration featuring the department’s narcotics dog, Graf, as well as a bomb squad robot display, fire safety demonstrations and opportunities to explore police vehicles and heavy equipment.
Despite the long list of activities, Jolley said the event’s core mission remains unchanged.
“If you have to call the police, generally you’re not having a great day,” he said. “So to have that relaxed fun environment where all the officers there are very approachable, it’s a good opportunity to build those positive relationships.”
The fair also serves as a way for first responders to give back to a community they say has consistently supported them.
“We feel very well supported by the residents and visitors in Patton Township,” Jolley said. “And this is kind of one way for us to thank them for the support that they give us throughout the years.”
Attendance numbers are difficult to track due to the open layout, but Jolley estimates the event regularly draws large crowds, with many attendees stopping in after spotting the activity along the busy Colonnade corridor.
Beyond the attractions, the emphasis remains on accessibility. The event is free, a decision Jolley said is intentional.
“The biggest thing is we don’t want any kind of cost to be a barrier for anyone,” he said.
For families, it’s a chance to spend a day together. For children, it’s an opportunity to learn and explore. And for first responders, it’s a chance to connect with the community in a way that doesn’t involve flashing lights or emergency calls.
“It’s a fantastic, relaxed opportunity to interact with your local law enforcement,” Jolley said.
More information about the event can be found on the Patton Township Police Department’s social media pages.
