Staff Report
KYLE — The Hays County Office of Emergency Services (OES), in partnership with the city of Kyle, invites the public to the eighth annual Emergency Preparedness Fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at La Verde Park, located at 3901 Burnham in Kyle.
“We are proud to sponsor and participate in this unique event that offers citizens the opportunity to learn more about preparing for disasters, while raising money for our first responders,” said city of Kyle Mayor Travis Mitchell.
This free, family-friendly event brings together emergency responders, community organizers and vendors to help residents prepare for natural or man-made disasters. The fair offers hands-on training, safety demonstrations, preparedness resources, live music, food, raffles, Top Dawg Chili Cook-Off and more.
“This event is about more than preparation; it’s about connection,” said Mike Jones, Hays County OES director. “The goal is to communicate the preparedness message to all residents to better protect life and property in impending unexpected disasters, natural or manmade — an all-hazards approach.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in interactive and hands-on safety demonstrations, including Stop the Bleed, Take 10 CPR, Fire Extinguisher Training (P.A.S.S.), recognizing heat stroke and exhaustion and how to build a personalized emergency go-kit.
Emergency vehicles and equipment will be on display throughout the day, allowing guests to explore the fire engines and rescue units, while interacting directly with first responders.
“This is an event to come out and meet the men and women who provide selfless service and are committed to the protection of life and property of our county,” Jones said.
The event will also feature a wide variety of preparedness partners, including the Kyle Police Department, San Marcos-Hays County EMS, Community Emergency Response Team and more.
Live music will play throughout the day, starting with local high school bands in the morning and followed by performances by Two Tons of Steel and the Cody Sparks Band in the afternoon.
The third annual Top Dawg Chili Cook-Off is open to the public. For a $20 donation wristband, attendees can sample chili from competing teams and vote for their favorite. Proceeds benefit the Hays County Fire Chiefs Association, which helps fund firefighter training and replace equipment lost during wildfire responses.
“Come taste some great chili and help fund critical tools and training for our fire departments,” said Jones. “This year’s Preparedness Fair is bigger, better and built for our whole community.”
For more information, visit www.haysinformed.com/preparednessfair.
