Chilton Medical Center will not only show appreciation to its employees through the nationally celebrated Hospital Week, but to the community as well through its first Spring Fling Health Fair.

National Hospital Week is May 8-14, as decreed by the American Hospital Association.

The fair, for all ages, will be held Saturday, May 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Chilton Medical Center.

“We always participate in Hospital Week, but this is our first time adding the Spring Fling,” said Anne Taddicken, medical staff liaison and marketing and event coordinator. “We wanted to make it fun and not just about health screenings.”

The event will provide a variety of health care information, and those in attendance will have the chance to ask a doctor health questions, as several will be on site.

The fair will have numerous visitors throughout the day including the Medicaid commissioner, the Clanton Fire and Police Departments, State Sen. Cam Ward and Rep. Kurt Wallace.

Meteorologist Wes Wyatt from Fox 6 News will also be in attendance at 11 a.m.

A children’s section with face painting, games and learning activities will also be provided, such as a seatbelt simulation that will give the experience of flipping over in a vehicle without wearing a seatbelt, said Taddicken.

Numerous health screenings will be available including for dementia, blood pressure and glucose. CVS will offer a medication check and information on poison control, and social services will be provided as well.

“People will be able to receive information on everything from detox to getting Social Security,” said Tina Holms, administration support and event coordinator.

Live entertainment will be provided and includes a local band, demonstrations from a karate team, children and adult Zumba and a demonstration by the city police dogs.

“At a normal health fair, we have about 300 people, and this one is a lot bigger so we are expecting more people to attend,” said Holms. “This is the hospital’s way of providing free education to the community.”

Food will be provided by Zaxby’s and 7th Place Café. Door prizes from several organizations will be awarded.

“We want to thank those who donated to hospital week,” said Holms.

Hospital week sponsors include Cooper Automotive, Haircuts by Debra, Whataburger, Bar D Western Wear, Pinedale Gardens, The Fishing Hole, The Candle Patch, Wright Drug store, Acme Building Supply, Russell Do-It Center, The Sports Shop, Clanton Cleaners, MorLyns, Island House Boutique, Maplesville Florist, Donna Purdue Avon, Chandler Drug Store, Jacks Restaurant, Hickory Chip BBQ, Nails by Tara, NailStar, Gmd, Griffin Mayo, Bahama Drama, Peach Park and Wal-Mart.