Carbon County officials want to educate the public about the importance of being safe.

On Saturday, May 3, state and county agencies will converge on Mauch Chunk Lake Park to host the annual Community Safety Day, hosted by state Sen. John Yudichak, Carbon County Safe Kids, the Carbon County Commissioners and the Carbon Masonic Lodge 242.Families from Carbon County are welcome to the free event, which will be held in the swimming area of Mauch Chunk Lake Park, Lentz Trail, Jim Thorpe, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be held rain or shine.Mark Davis of Yudichak's office said that the event, held for the first time at the lake last year, was a huge success."We couldn't have asked for a better cooperative event," he said, noting that the county, state, police, fire and other agencies worked well together. "It was an event that is still being talked about."Carbon County Commissioner Thomas J. Gerhard noted that more than 1,000 county residents attended the safety day last year.During the event, dozens of agencies and area organizations will be set up throughout the park to educate children and their parents about various safety issues, including water safety, animal safety, fire safety, bicycle safety, poison control and more.Emergency responders, including fire, police, and emergency medical staff, will also be showcased.In addition, fun activities such as skateboarding, face painting and the coconut crusher demonstration, which shows the importance of wearing a helmet, are planned, and free food and giveaways will also be available.Mindy Graver, chairwoman for Carbon County Safe Kids, added that invitations have been sent out to the agencies that participated last year.Agencies who wish to participate should contact Graver at 570-325-2788 or email

mjg26@psu.edu or Bill Richards of Yudichak's office at

brichards@pasenate.com or 570-325-3274.Sponsors are also needed for the event, which costs approximately $3,000 to put on.Donations of any amount or items are greatly appreciated and will be accepted until April 18.For more information on donating, or if you would like to volunteer, contact Graver or Richards.Donations should be sent to Graver at Penn State Extension-Carbon, c/o Mindy Graver, Carbon County Safe Kids, 529 Lentz Trail, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229. Checks should be made payable to Carbon County Safe Kids.