MOUNT VERNON — A day of fun, games, food and education was on tap for those visiting the first annual Child Safety Day on Saturday at Riverside Park. The Exchange Club of Mount Vernon sponsored the event in an effort to help make the public aware of the dangers and reality of child abuse.
“Child abuse is a problem ... it’s a national emergency,” said Mayor Richard Mavis in his opening speech at Saturday’s festivities. “We must recognize and respond to this grievous problem,” he said, in reading a proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Knox County.
Exchange Club President Dodie Melvin thanked Mavis for his support at Child Safety Day. “We appreciate your time and all you do,” said Melvin. Various other local officials were scheduled to make speeches throughout the event in support of child abuse awareness.

















