Over three hundred people of all ages turned out for the Family Safari Celebration held in the Plaza on Saturday, September 7th. The turn-out for this first-time event was impressive and the weather was perfect as parents and kids alike enjoyed Grant Kemmerer’s presentation about wild animals. There was lots of feedback from the crowd, particularly when a large snake was twisting itself around Kemmerer’s arm as he talked about conservation and protecting wildlife.

Grant Kemmerer with scaly friend.

Also making an appearance was Aragon, a service dog used as part of grief therapy at Turner Funeral Home. This beautiful dog is a trained service dog who works with families who are bereaved as well as visiting the Ellwood City Hospital and area nursing homes as a therapy dog.

Face painting was offered by the Ellwood City Art Club with kids lining up to get elephants, bats and more painted on their faces and arms. Treasured Memories by Dani Morabito provided photos against a jungle themed backdrop with an option to purchase. Morabito emailed free pictures to each family that they could post on Facebook free of charge. Rounding out the event was a drawing for several children’s prizes, including signed comic books provided by New Dimensions Comics, stuffed animals, a Family Video gift card and more.