MK_061319

mokenamessenger.com life & arts
the mokena messenger | June 13, 2019 | 17
Splash, climb and a good time at annual Family Fun Day
Yasmeen Sheikah
Freelance Reporter
Firefighters Mike Hullenger
and Tim Wiencek
stood in the back of an
ambulance with a stretcher
and various other aid
packages while explaining
to a crowd what each
object is used for at Mokena
Fire Protection District’s
annual Family Fun
Day event Saturday, June
8.
The event had people
of all ages come out to
fire station No. 1, 19853
S. Wolf Road, for the free
party that allowed people
to learn more about fire
safety and prevention
while having a good time.
The afternoon party
had a higher turnout than
previous years because
of the warm weather and
sunshine. The event featured
many family fun activities
that mimicked the
day in the life of a firefighter,
including water
ball, dress the firefighter,
sitting in the fire truck,
put out the house fire and
more.
Lieutenant Eric Moller
said the event is important
and brings families together
to learn more about fire
safety while having a good
time.
“We have a lot of activities
going on today where
kids can learn more about
fire safety, such as at station
for kids to put out a
fake fire,” Moller said.
“They get to really see all
of our equipment.”
Attendees came from
various areas of Illinois,
including the Keyes family
from Plainfield. The
family was taking pictures
dressed in firefighter costumes
while enjoying the
day.
“I always look for fun,
family events on Facebook
for us to go to, and this one
sounded fun and educational,”
Catie Keyes said.
“We’re having a lot of fun
and the kids are having a
blast.”
Jessica Lewis, who
moved from Mokena after
she got married, found
herself traveling an hour
back to town for the event
with her children.
“My kids love firemen
and policemen so this is
very exciting for them,”
Lewis said, adding that
they visit Mokena to see
her family.
Mokena residents had
family time, as well. Nolan
King, 4, was able to sit in
the fire truck and view its
features as he posed for a
picture. His mother, Angela
King, said Nolan was excited
to play with the fire hoses
in the back before he left.
“We are meeting up
with some friends that we
haven’t seen in a while,”
King said. “Nolan loves
the fire truck but [my
daughter] Emily is only 2
and scared to go in. It’s a
fun event, we will definitely
come again.”
Ryan Lewis, 3, of Mokena, gets some help putting out a “house fire” during Mokena
Fire Protection District’s annual Family Fun Day Saturday, June 8. Photos by Yasmeen
Sheikah/22nd Century Media
Mokena firefighters Mike Hullinger (left) and Tim Wiencek display their gear and
educate the public on what it does.
(Left to right) Catie, Keith, Kaylen and Logan Keyes, from Plainfield, try on fire fighter
gear.