Shriners Children’s Screening Clinic Returns to Downtown Mt. Vernon During Fall Fest

MT. VERNON, Ill. — Families attending the 2026 Mt. Vernon Fall Fest will have access to an important—and complimentary—health resource right in the heart of downtown. The Ainad Krazy Klowns will sponsor a pediatric orthopedic screening clinic for children under 18 on Saturday, September 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mount Vernon Masonic Lodge #31, 124 N. 10th Street, conveniently located near the Fall Fest area.

The clinic is designed to help families determine whether their child may have a condition appropriate for the specialized care available through Shriners Children’s. Screening clinic staff will assess children for pediatric orthopedic conditions, and appointments are encouraged, although walk-ins are welcome.

For organizers, the impact of even a small screening clinic can be significant. At last year’s Mount Vernon clinic, three families scheduled screenings and a fourth child walked in after seeing signs near the clinic. All four children were recommended for possible follow-up with Shriners Children’s. While organizers do not know what treatment, if any, ultimately followed, connecting families with another potential pediatric orthopedic resource is at the heart of the program.

Conditions that may be assessed include scoliosis and other spine conditions, clubfoot, hip conditions, limb deformities and limb-length differences, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, myelodysplasia, arthrogryposis, webbed fingers or toes, rickets, conditions requiring specialized plastic surgery, and sports injuries.

During the approximately 15- to 20-minute screening, a licensed medical provider from the community will examine the child and talk with the family. Children will not see a Shriners Children’s physician at the screening. If the provider determines that a child’s condition may be appropriate for Shriners Children’s care, the family will receive information about contacting Shriners Children’s to schedule an appointment.

For Dan Voyles, Clinic Organizer with the Ainad Krazy Klowns and a Mount Vernon native, bringing the screening opportunity to local families has a personal significance.

“I first became interested in the Shriners and their work with children when I was about six years old after seeing my insurance agent’s fez and learning about the hospital,” Voyles said. “What stayed with me was how hopeful and positive the mission was despite the adversity the children were facing.”

Transportation assistance to a Shriners Children’s location may also be offered by area Shriners for children who are referred for additional care.

The clinic takes place during Mt. Vernon Fall Fest: Stars, Stripes & Autumn Nights, September 25–26 in downtown Mt. Vernon. The free community festival brings thousands of residents and visitors downtown for live entertainment, the Deaconess Illinois Crossroads Parade, Continental Tire Cruise-In, Marching Band Expo, Vendor Marketplace, food, children’s activities and more.

Families can make the screening part of their Fall Fest Saturday—stop by the Masonic Lodge between festival activities and take a few minutes to learn whether Shriners Children’s may be an additional resource for their child.

Appointments may be made by text or calling (618) 241-0326, and walk-ins are also welcome. Questions about the clinic may be directed to Dan Voyles, Clinic Organizer, Ainad Krazy Klowns, at the same number. More information about Shriners Children’s St. Louis is available at ShrinersStL.org.