MASONS MAKE FREE CHILD IDS AT FAIR.

Byline: Daily News

LANCASTER - Parents can get identification profiles for their children free of charge during the Antelope Valley Fair.

Lancaster Masonic Lodge members use a computer with a digital camera and electronic fingerprint scanner to capture a photograph and the image of a child's thumbprints, which are printed out as a permanent record for parents to keep for themselves.

``If they ever need it, they hand it to the police and it's right there,'' Mason Nelson Corbin said.

The Kids ID System, hosted by the 304th Masonic District Officers Association, will be available in the tent adjoining the Community Stage, near the Lilac Pavilion.

The child ID document is designed for parents to give to law enforcement officers if a child becomes missing. The process takes one or two minutes, organizers said.

Besides bearing the thumbprints and photo, the document lists a child's description, school, doctor and other information.

The system does not keep any information in the computer or send it anywhere else, organizers said. All the documentation goes to the parent or guardian.

There is no charge for the ID.

The 66th annual Antelope Valley Fair runs through Sept. 6 at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, 2551 W. Ave. H, Lancaster.

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Photo:

(1 -- 2) At right, Nelson Corbin of the Masonic Lodge sets up a photograph of 2-year-old Savannah Sproule at the Antelope Valley Fair. Above, a form from the program shows Sproule along with her fingerprints.

Jeff Goldwater/Staff Photographer