The parking lot at Macey's Food and Drug in Tooele was full of emergency vehicles on Saturday, but instead of an accident, emergency and medical crews were responding to the third annual Children's Safety Fair.

The fair, which hosts 12 different emergency and medical response teams from around the valley, is aimed at teaching children how to keep themselves healthy and what to do in an emergency situation.

The fair is sponsored by Macey's but not every store participates in the event. Store manager Jolene Thurgood was thrilled with the turnout.

"We look forward to the fair every year," Thurgood said. "I love being so excited to see all these kids come out to learn about the things that can improve their lives."

Early Saturday afternoon youngsters could be found popping in and out of ambulances, police cruisers, fire trucks and helicopters as they explored how each response system functions. Mountain West Medical Center as well as the University of Utah Health Clinic in Stansbury Park set up booths which were focused on maintaining good health.

As children bounced from booth to booth collecting first-aid kits, sunblock and stickers, they also picked up tips on building healthy habits.

"I didn't know you had to put on sunscreen if it was cloudy outside," said Olivia Vielstich, 10, from Stansbury Park.

The safety fair wasn't limited to children either. Many of the adults joined in on the fun, exploring the Tooele County Search and Rescue's Mobile Command Center and Mountain West Medical Center had a booth set up for those interested in joining the Women's Health Program.

The fair was organized by Cassi Robinson, store trainer for Macey's.

"It's really important to know what it means to be safe," Robinson said. "It makes me feel great to provide an opportunity for these kids to learn who they can call when they're in trouble and where they can go."

ntripp@tooeletranscript.com