Safe Kids Gainesville/Hall Co. plans poster contest winners announcement

GAINESVILLE - Safe Kids Gainesville/Hall County, which is led by Northeast Georgia Medical Center and Bike Town U.S.A. are teaming up to host a Bike Safety Poster Contest and a helmet giveaway on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Bike Town U.S.A., with free helmets for children ages 5-12.

At the event, winners from the poster contest,  Bicycles Take Me Places, will be announced, and prizes provided by Bike Town U.S.A. will be presented. The 2012 Bike Safety Poster Contest was open to all fourth and fifth graders in the Gainesville City and Hall County school systems. Students were encouraged to illustrate a message communicating bike safety, health and fitness or outdoor adventure. Prizes totaling more than $500 include the grand prize: a Haro Mountain or BMX bike.

In addition to the poster prizes, Safe Kids volunteers will be on hand to offer hands-on instruction and education on proper helmet fitting.

"We want to help parents and caregivers make sure their children have a properly fitted helmet, and that it is being worn correctly every time," said Kim Martin, coalition coordinator for Safe Kids Gainesville/Hall County. "With the weather warming up, many children will be enjoying the outdoors on their bikes and scooters. While these toys provide entertainment and fun, we want to remind everyone that they should be enjoyed safely."

Helmets will be available while supplies last on a first-come, first-serve basis. The child must be present for fitting. Only one helmet per child will be given, and there will be no rainchecks or substitutions.

For more information about this free helmet giveaway, call Safe Kids at 770-219-8095.