“Love at First Sight” is the theme for the Baby Fair, held Feb. 7 at Salish Kootenai College in Palbo, and there were many babies on display, some in strollers, some in arms, some toddling, and some accompanied by big sisters and brothers.

Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Early Childhood Education hosts the annual soiree at the Joe McDonald Health and Fitness Center and the Sherri McDonald Hospitality Room, and both spaces were packed with people from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The goal of the fair is to bring services and education to new parents, pregnant women, and families with children ages zero to five. About 60 tables were loaded with loot and information.

Parents could learn infant CPR from CSKT tribal nurse Ellen Klaphammer, sign up for Head Start pre-school, pick up free clothing from baby sizes to extra-large, or glean information about nutrition for families and pregnant women, as well as collect a few recipes. Info was also available on dental health and care for a baby’s new teeth, developmental milestones for children and childhood immunizations, as well as suicide prevention, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

On the pure fun scale, the door prizes were many and amazing, as was the array of kid-focused offerings. Children could get their faces painted, participate in book walks (just like a cake walk), and browse tables with free books.

Betty Wing from the Friends of the Missoula Library and a colleagues had books for all ages.

“I gather books all year and bring them here to give away,” she said.

A fishing booth complete with fishing rod and many “fish” was drawing smiles from older children. A drum situated by Frank Finley and Marquis Askin’s table drew kids like honeybees to bee balm. The two men teach Salish and Kootenai languages to all the Head Starts on the Flathead Reservation as part of the Early Childhood Education’s cultural components.

Haircuts were available as well as a photo booth.

Emily Rohrlach, information and education specialist at the Bison Range, had made a small wheel featuring animals found on the range. Kids were invited to spin the wheel, answer a question about the animal, and get a prize. She said many attendees brought their babies over and had them put their hands on the wheel as the parents spun it.

“It was the cutest thing,” she said.

In a very informal poll of some of the tables, many said the children were younger this year, and the crowd was larger.

ECS also offered lunch for everyone, and someone was always eager to hold a baby while their mom or dad took time off to eat.

    Kids are enthralled with the wheel-of-fortune spinner as Emily Rohrlach, the Bison Range's information and education specialist, asks them about critters who live on the range during the annual Baby Fair. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)
  

    Three-month-old Clover Ashley catches a quick nap on mom's shoulder amidst the fun and fast pace at the Baby Fair at Salish Kootenai College. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)