BY EARNEST WINSTON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
FORT WRIGHT -- Kids and adults spent Sunday trying their hands at using a fire hose, practicing with a fire extinguisher on a real kitchen fire, and practicing CPR on a mannequin.
They weren't auditioning for roles as firefighters or emergency medical technicians.
Instead, they were participating in "hands-on" demonstrations at the city's annual Open House and Safety Fair, held for four hours at the municipal building.
Taking a break from various booths and activities, parents Paul and Jenny Kleier and their children Jacob, 2, and 4-year-old twins Paul and Ben -- sat on curb blocks, enjoying snow cones. Natalie, 3 weeks old, had a more comfortable seat in her stroller.
"I think the kids probably like the helicopters the best. Helicopters and the food," Paul Kleier said.
New this year was Chopper 9, a hit among the kids.
"It's just different," said Dale Williams, a pilot reporter for Chopper 9 (WCPO-TV, Channel 9). "Right now, it's the only news-gathering machine (in the Tristate). We try to avoid the traffic aspect of it and focus on major news."
Katie and Ellen Whitehouse, 4 and 6, respectively, found out what the inside of an ambulance looks like. "People sit in the back. They have these weird seats," said Ellen, whose cheeks were painted with a heart and rainbow.
The girls' mother, Karen, said she wanted to ease their fears about such vehicles.
"I just told them, "If an ambulance has to come and get you, this is what it looks like,' " she said.
Despite the heat, McGruff the Crime Dog walked around wearing a beige trench coat greeting children.
Other activities included firetruck rides, a bike safety program, puppet shows and ID cards. Among the live demonstrations throughout the day was one by Boone County Water Rescue.
