Mark your calendars for the 19th annual Kids Day Maricopa, to be held Saturday Sept. 19. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Maricopa Wells Middle School. 

Coordinators Dr. John and May Donohue, owners of A1 Health and Wellness, said the free event is all about Maricopa kids.  

The event combines education and fun for local kids and their families by offering child safety exhibits to health screenings to prizes and activities. 

“It’s set up for health safety and environmental awareness for kids,” John Donohue said. “It’s an educational, interactive day.”  

Originally inspired by a colleague’s event in New Jersey, he decided to create a southwest version of his own. 

Donahue expected about 100 to 200 attendees during the very first Kids Day event and was pleasantly surprised when he got exactly that as soon as the doors opened. 

Attendance eventually surged to 1,200. 

“We completely ran out of food within the hour,” John Donohue said.  

There will be a plethora of food this year, including mini waffles from Chilaquiles, sliders from Duke’s Roadhouse, cotton candy and popcorn from F.O.R. Maricopa and snow cones from Maricopa Pantry. 

Attendees will get to see old favorites, like dancers from the Ak-Chin Indian Community, “Smokey Bear” and other characters. Members of the Phoenix Suns street team will also be present and kids will get to see karate demos and experience a petting zoo. 

Though this event rides on tradition, this year will introduce new activities, including pony rides, semi-trucks for kids to climb on and a special Lightning McQueen car. 

Local agencies like Pinal County Sheriff Rescue Division, Maricopa police with their K9 unit and Maricopa Fire Department will be present to discuss safety. Meanwhile, Banner Children’s Hospital and Maricopa Lions will give free health screenings. 

“It’s our giveback. It’s our community service,” May Donohue said. “And there’s so many stories to share.”