It’s been almost 50 years, but Safetytown organizers continue to put a fresh spin on the program that has taught generations how to keep themselves safer and healthier.

With guest appearances by police officers, firefighters, crossing guards and even K-9 Phoenix, youngsters spent nine days this month learning about road safety, stranger danger, playing outside, swimming safety, fire and electrical dangers and more. There was even an introduction to online safety and developing good habits.

Plenty of adults might have gotten a reminder or two at some of these sessions.

“I have done Safetytown for a long time and I think I just enjoy watching how much they truly understand what you teach them,” said Katherine Carr, a second grade teacher at Phillips Elementary School. “We present so much and we try to do it in a nice way and we try to be very serious about it.”

Safetytown lessons stick with us our whole lives. Wear your seat belt. Don’t play with matches. Look both ways. Wear bicycle (or motorcycle) helmets. Use crosswalks. Learn the rules and follow them.

Adults with fond memories of Safetytown and children for whom those lessons are still fresh can thank the community partners that have supported the event for years. The Rotary Club of Marietta has been a big part of what brings it to our kids every summer.

Thank goodness they and other local groups continue to support it.

“It’s so nice to see that our community sees the value in Safetytown,” Carr said.

It’s hard not to.

So, here’s to another successful year and the promise of many more; and the knowledge that 150 kids will be a little safer this summer because of Safetytown.