Date: October 29, 2010

AAA Safety Day at Explorit
By Liz Shenaut

Take your Halloween costume for a test drive one day early at Explorit's AAA Safety Day for hands-on transportation activities and a chance to win a bicycle. From 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct 30, the American Automobile Association (AAA), which helped sponsor Explorit's current "Wheels to Wings" exhibition about transportation, will lead activities and give out information about transportation safety on Explorit's Grand Plaza Patio.

Annie Galeano, one of the AAA representatives organizing the event, explained why parents will find it especially helpful and highlighted some things visitors might learn from the activities. "People should explore AAA resources for [information about] proper child car seat installation," and to "learn more about car and booster seat laws and get tips to ensure [children's] safety when they are in other people's cars, on buses, on bikes or on foot." Galeano also said she will be bringing a traffic safety trivia wheel that visitors can spin for a chance to win a prize --- if they can first answer the trivia question correctly.

Some of the prizes AAA is giving away are pretty big. Bicycle-sized, in fact. By participating in the event, you can sign up for a chance to win a child's or adult's bicycle and helmet.

In addition to safety-related materials and the prize drawing, AAA will also bring items from its "Greenlight Initiative" program that educates the public about alternative fuels and alternative vehicles. During the event, representatives from AAA's Woodland and Vacaville offices will guide visitors in the activities and be available to answer questions about AAA insurance and membership.

Whether you prefer to get around by foot, bike or car, you're sure to find helpful tips and fun activities at Safety Day. If you're a parent, you'll get a chance to brush up on transportation safety just in time for trick-or-treating travels with your child. Access to Safety Day is free to Explorit Science Center visitors who have paid admission for the day, which is $4 per person. Costumes are encouraged, but not required.

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Explorit's coming events:

o Saturday, Oct. 30: Explorit will bring 'spooky science' activities to the Davis Farmer's Market Fall Festival. Other festivities include live music, arts and crafts, a pumpkin patch, and the Avenue of Scarecrows. More information at http://www.davisfarmersmarket.org/calendar. Central Park, Downtown Davis between B and C Streets, 8am-1pm.

o Nov. 11-12 and Nov. 22-24 and 26: Both floors of the museum will be open for special holiday hours. Come try out activities from Explorit's current exhibitions from 11:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.

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Explorit Science Center, at 2801 Second St., has two exhibitions on display: "Move It! Science in Action" and "Wheels to Wings." Admission is $4 general, free for teachers, and ages 3 and under. The museum is open to school groups by reservation and to the general public 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and 11 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information call (530) 756-0191 or visit http://www.explorit.org.