Arts and crafts and games, oh my! New Mexico State University's Cooperative Extension Service is hosting its annual free Family Fun Fair Oct. 20 in Otero County.

The family-oriented event is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Otero County Fairgrounds Exhibit Building in Alamogordo.

The fair will feature a variety of games and hands-on crafts for children and their families. There will also be a designated reading corner where families can read books to the children, who can then pick out a donated book to take home. The activities are geared toward children ranging in age from 5 to 10 years old.

"This fair is designed to be a fun activity so people can have a quality family experience," said Kelly Knight, Extension home economist for Otero County. "Families are doing arts and crafts together and reading together. We will also have educational material for parents about the services available to them in the community."

The fair is also an opportunity for people to learn about NMSU's 4-H Club and the programs, events, activities and projects available to 4-H members. Interested members can talk with current members as well as youth and adult 4-H volunteers.

Family-oriented community organizations will have information tables set up.

A deputy with the Sheriff's office will be conducting the Child and Senior ID program where parents and guardians can receive a CD of their loved one's fingerprints, photos and descriptors. Should that person ever go missing, the information on the CD has valuable information to help law enforcement find them.

The Family Fun Fair is sponsored by the Otero County Extension Association. For more information on the event, contact the Otero County Extension Service office at 575-437-0231.