Summer has begun and the heat is rising; it’s the perfect time to be outside with the family having fun, and one super activity that is looked forward to by many families each year is poised to begin:

THE NEVADA COUNTY FAIR
August 6-10, 2008

Yup, I can hardly believe it is time again already. I love the fair, and have a
lot of time to enjoy it with loads of wonderful children because I am one
of the Coordinators at KIDS CORNER AT THE FAIR.

I know that family activities can be costly and that the Fair is sometimes daunting for those with very young children who are not big enough for many of the rides or who may get tired of traipsing around while the older kids are running amok, but Kids Corner is your ‘port in the storm’.

If you have children under 6 and haven’t been to Kids Corner yet you are in for a treat! Kids Corner is a wonderful place for our youngest fairgoers (ages 0 through 5 years old) to explore, play, rest, have fun, sing and dance, read stories, make art, AND receive a free book to take home. And the best part of all is that it is all completely FREE OF CHARGE once you are inside the Fairgrounds. No tickets are necessary and no lines to wait in before the fun starts.

The children will be led in musical games, singing, and dancing throughout the day at our ‘Corner Stage’ at the rear of the Kids Corner area.

And this year kids can create a “Wish for the World” ornament to decorate
and hang on our Magical Wishing Tree! As in previous years, Bubble Play,
Clay Creations, Water Exploration and a simulated ‘Milking Cow’ will also
be available to be enjoyed. As always, you will leave with a small farm animal
toy and a free book in hand for each child under 6 and you will also take home (if you like) your child’s crafts and a BIG SMILE!

Kids Corner is open each day of the fair from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm – there is water available for thirsty little ones and benches available for parental relaxation while the kids are exploring our many activity areas.

An infant changing and breast feeding area is available as well. Rocking
chairs and a changing table are provided by the Breast Feeding Coalition
in a shaded area in the Kids Corner enclosure to allow for your comfort and
privacy.

You can also save 50% of the admission fee for the fair by pre-ordering your tickets at the following link until August 5th: http://www.nevadacountyfair.com/fair/tickets.html

Or, for general information and the full fair schedule, you should check out this link: http://www.nevadacountyfair.com/fair/

All in all, it promises to be another great year at the fair, the time goes so fast, don’t let it slip by without visiting us at Kids Corner this year. We are located between the Kiddie park entrance and the Railroad Museum to the West of Gate 1.

Enjoy the rest of your summer . . . can’t wait to see you at the fair!!!

“If I would have had you when I was having my babies it would have been a whole different experience” exclaims Sandi a soon to be grandmother after a recent prenatal breastfeeding class. I smile and consider how many times I’ve heard this before. After all, support is crucial when new mothers and babies are learning to breastfeed.

 “I was absolutely committed to breastfeeding” says Polly, Yet, in the middle of the night when her son was 3 weeks old, she was exhausted and looking for a break. Her husband woke to find her crawling across the floor toward the box of pre-made formula given to her by the hospital. Her husband, Mike, realized at that moment that he had a choice. “I could take the baby and give him a bottle of formula and let my wife sleep, or I could take him and rock him to sleep without the bottle.” Mike chose to support breastfeeding. He had been prepared for this moment and although he was tired, he knew his support was key. “If I hadn’t been prepared for this moment I might have told her to just give him a bottle. In the class we learned how introducing a bottle too soon could interfere with breastfeeding and even lead to other problems. I’d recommend this class to every pregnant couple, there’s nothing to loose, only gain and it’s even free!”

For a list of classes go to www.lauriechamberlin.com

Laurie Chamberlin, CD, ICCE, LE teaches childbirth preparation classes, lactation classes and is a prenatal counselor serving the Grass Valley/Nevada City/Auburn area. For more information contact: lauriechamberlin@comcast.net or call 530.477.5442