A Lebanon, Maine, man’s work for the better part of this year to raise awareness for juvenile diabetes culminates in a Fun Fair Day for families at the Rochester Fairgrounds on Saturday.
Fun Fair Day runs from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the fairgrounds. The cost of entry is $3, which covers the cost of all attractions, organizer Alex Cavallaro said.
Food, drinks and raffles cost extra. There will be donation jars dispersed throughout the fair as well, he said. He organized the event to raise funds for juvenile diabetes research, but said the main goal is to make parents aware of the signs and symptoms of the condition.
Cavallaro is married, has two children and runs Cavallaro & Son Construction, Inc. The family found out a year ago that 12-year-old Alex Jr. has juvenile diabetes. Cavallaro said he did not at first recognize what it meant when his son had sore legs and was constantly thirsty.
“I didn’t know what his symptoms were,” he said.
He has since learned much about the condition and hopes the Fun Fair Day, which will feature informational booths on juvenile diabetes, will enlighten others as well.
The fair features its share of fun activities, too. Cavallaro said monster trucks, fire and rescue vehicles, police K-9s, live bands and other festival attractions like a bouncy house and face painting. Many of the attractions were donated; Lowe’s is providing building kits for youngsters and The Meat House and Fiddlehead’s have donated food, he said.
“There’s a little bit of everything for all ages,” Cavallaro said.
Cavallaro thanked everyone for the assistance. He started organizing this event months in advance, which he said help make for an easier process. As he worked to find donations, he said others spread his contact information and he started receiving calls offering help.
If it rains Saturday, the event will be held Sunday.
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By Joey Cresta
Friday, June 4, 2010
