During a time when public health is at the forefront, the third-annual Plano Families First Fall Fair will take place Saturday, Oct. 16, from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Plano Event Center (2000 E. Spring Creek Pkwy). Thanks to a variety of community sponsors and partners, the event will provide free health and human services in an effort to alleviate the hardships thousands of Plano families have experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. While a few of the health services will be indoors (with social distancing encouraged), most of the fair will be held outdoors.

“After a relentless year of challenges, I’m excited to see the return of the Plano Families First Fall Fair,” said Plano Mayor John Muns. “This event comes at a vital time for families, as students navigate returning to school, and parents deal with shifting routines. Our community coming together to offer critical services at the fair, exemplifies the spirit of excellence in Plano.”

Available on a first-come, first-served basis, services will include free flu shots for adults (provided by Texas Health Plano Presbyterian), free flu shots for children (provided by The Caring Foundation of Texas), blood pressure and glucose screenings (provided by Ismali Civic USA), dental screenings and fluoride varnishes (for children only), plus several community resource booths will be on site offering helpful information on year-round services available to Plano families.

Thanks to Liberty Mutual, free school supply packets will be provided to the first 200 families, and Plano Public Library will offer free books. In addition, a host of family-friendly activities will add to the fun, from kids crafts, CPR instruction from the Plano Fire Department, inflatables, entertainment and a “petting zoo” where children learn and play with musical instruments provided by the Plano Symphony Orchestra. Spiderman and Wonder Woman will be on site giving away superhero masks and holding “How To Be A Super Hero” sessions throughout the morning.

Helping Plano residents get back to work, the Job Fair – presented by the Plano Chamber of Commerce – will feature a variety of employers looking to fill numerous positions. Fair goers can also get tips on resume development and have a free LinkedIn photo shot by a professional photographer.

Masks are strongly encouraged, and social distancing and other safety measures will be in place. Some items and services will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sponsors are Boeing, Children’s Health, City of Plano, Plano ISD, Liberty Mutual, Capital One and Texas Health Plano Presbyterian.

Mayor Muns is making a call for volunteers to help at the Fair. Volunteers must be 21 and older or 16 and older with an accompanying adult.

For more information and to sign up as a volunteer, go to planofamiliesfirst.com.