Children don’t come with a handbook, but there are resources out there that can assist children to help them reach for the Stars.
 The Drumheller and Area Early Childhood Development Coalition is hosting its first Drumheller Early Years Fair. This is a chance for parents and caregivers with children ages 0-4 to have some fun and learn about some of the resources available.
    “It promotes early childhood development and introduces parents providers and gives them time to talk to them in a one-on-one setting,” said Michelle Hiscox, Early Childhood Development coordinator.
    The fair is slated for Wednesday, September 19 at the Badlands Community Facility. The theme of the event is “Reach For The Stars” and there will be activities based on the stars and planets as well as giveaways.
    Golden Prairie Parent Link will be on hand and will have the Ages and Stages development-screening questionnaire available for parents.
    There will also be resources based on the five main early childhood development areas. These include physical health and well being, communication and general knowledge, social skills, language and thinking skills and emotional maturity.
    Hiscox says there will also be a number of other local agencies on hand who will be available to meet with parents and caregivers one-on-one. This could be anything from law enforcement to healthcare and literacy development.
    To allow participants to have time to interact with service providers in a one-on-one setting, registration is required by September 14.  The fair is from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Hiscox says there are many time slots still open. The fair is free of charge.
    To register contact Hiscox at 403-820-0325 or e-mail Michellehiscox@live.ca.

    Grab your families, it’s time for the Amazing Race, Carbon style.
    On October 3 the Village of Carbon will be hosting its fifth annual Carbon Amazing Race. Organizers are now accepting registrations through the Carbon Village Office.
    The race is modelled after the popular television show, The Amazing Race. In the show, teams of two race around the globe and complete challenges along the way.
    The Carbon version has a little bit of a twist. Rather than teams of two, as in the show, entire families are encouraged to participate.
    Teams must race through Carbon and along the way complete challenges to advance.
    “It’s been an annual event. Basically families sign up, run around Carbon, and they have to complete tasks to earn their next clue,” said Carbon CAO Debra Grosfield.
    The race begins at the Carbon campground in the evening. Along with having some fun, participants also get to have some barbecued hot dogs.
    The event is sponsored by the Kneehull Community Resource Program, Golden Prairie Link, Kneehill Regional Family and Community Support Services, and the Village of Carbon.
    It is hoped the event will help bring families who participate closer together.
    “It’s basically to promote family activities in Carbon. The prizes are also family oriented,” said Grosfield.
    Families thinking of registering are encouraged to do so early as space is limited to 15 families. Registration forms can be picked up from the Carbon Village Office.