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The Tooth Fairy came to Denali’s Spring Health Fair last weekend. One hand clutched toothbrushes, the other held floss.

OK, so maybe it was really Donna Lanni, dental hygienist for Dr. Bast’s Dental Clinic, but she certainly looked like the Tooth Fairy, complete with diaphanous blue gown and a table full of useful information about healthy teeth — including a skull, with teeth.

More than 300 people came to the fair, which included Alaska Health Fair’s comprehensive blood tests, free screenings for blood pressure, vision and bone density; and many other wellness checks.

Technicians drawing blood said they had more than double the number they expected for this area — about 81 people. A technician from the Breast Cancer Detection Center provided two full days of mammograms for area women.

A record 100 people, including volunteers, participated in the 3K Heart Walk. Everyone walked away with a special bright yellow T-shirt, compliments of Kids In Motion, which sponsored the entire community event, dubbed the “Flip-Flop Festival.” One hundred pairs of flip-flops were given away.

Nine people, including youngsters, took school nurse Patti Jordan’s CPR training. Local masseuse Paula Earp provided nearly six straight hours of 15-minute chair massages.

Second- and third-graders offered a special “healthy lunch” quiz. It looked easy to guess whether the packed lunches were healthy. I’m sorry to report that I missed two of the questions. Heck, they looked like healthy lunches to me.

Fourth- and fifth-graders handed out frozen smoothies on a stick — if you rode the stationery bicycle first.

One of the most innovative booths at the health fair introduced letterboxing, hosted by middle schooler Kami Graham and her mom. Letterboxing is kind of like geo-caching, only without the GPS. Think of it as a wilderness scavenger hunt, ending with a stamp and a pad of paper.

The Graham family has been letterboxing on vacation in Hawaii, back East and yes, even here in the Denali area. Tina Graham worked in the Tri-Valley Community Library all week, teaching kids how to use the library by using “letterboxing” as a tool.

Kami and her mom have now been asked to share their letterboxing expertise with Princess employees, with some folks at Denali National Park and with organizers of Intergenerational Programs at Denali Education Center.

For more information, check www.letterboxing.org.

The Frisbee golf course, compliments of Kids In Motion, Denali Princess and Denali Salmon Bake, also made its debut. The nine holes are ready for community use throughout the summer.

Summer sports club

Local parents wanting to avoid high gas prices and driving time on the highway have formed the Summer Sports Club for preschoolers through fifth grade.

The goal is to host a noncompetitive, free community activity that will offer fresh air, exercise and fun for three young age groups. Beginning June 10, youngsters can meet at the Tri-Valley School soccer and baseball fields from 1:15-3 p.m. It looks like softball and T-ball are the first games on the agenda.

For more information, contact Stephanie Stickle at 683-2318 or stickle@mtaonline.net.

After-school gymnastics

Gymnastics coach Katie Stainbrook will hold after school gymnastics classes next week at Tri-Valley School, for ages 4 and up, in two separate classes. Katie just taught a very successful two-week gymnastics camp in Anderson and is planning a summer program as well.

Salsa dancing class

Amazing salsa dancer /instructor Judy Kreith is coming back to Healy. She and colleague Zoila Seludo will work all week with high school students who are studying Mexican culture. They will offer at least two free community classes May 19 and 20 at 6:30 p.m. at Tri-Valley School.

No experience or partner necessary.

The instructors will teach Rueda de Casino, a style of Cuban salsa. It is a particular type of round dancing that was developed in Havana. It is danced in a circle that changes partners often.

Dream Denali

Denali offers one of the world’s 100 best vacations. That is according to a new LIFE book called “Dream Destinations.”

According to the Dream Destinations editor, here’s how the book came together:

“LIFE’s editors assemble a master list of well over 100 destinations that might be dreamy, then cull from this a collections of places that are varied, interesting, aesthetically beautiful, and, most importantly, truly a dream to visit. We talk to our army of photographers, who’ve been to these places, and we talk among ourselves — some destinations are personal favorites that we know to be sensational. We want to have tried-and-true places and many surprises.”

The Denali page shows a dog musher on what was probably a brilliant March day, with gorgeous blue sky and Alaska peaks in the background.

Denali Calendar Contest

Start thinking now about what photos you might want to enter in the Aurora Club Calendar Photo Contest. Photos aren’t due until Jan. 31, but summer shots are fleeting. Photographers must be Denali Borough residents. Photos can include scenery, community events and community residents enjoying local activities. Photos must be taken from the local Healy area, from Moody Bridge to Rock Creek.

The Aurora Club has a list of contest rules that are available by calling 683-1254.

Kris Capps is a freelance writer. Her column reporting Denali happenings appears weekly in the News-Miner. She can be reached at kcapps@mtaonline.net.