LAVALE - A roller blader and kayaker, he's green, furry and looks a bit like an alien.

But children love him and he inspires them to not only be active, but also to choose healthy foods - including Brussels sprouts.

Choosy, which stands for Choosing Healthy Options Often and Starting Young, will make his local debut Wednesday at the Country Club Mall where he'll headline the first Head Start eating healthy fair. Scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. in center court, the fair is geared to children from birth through age 11 and their families.

In addition to Choosy, "Bananas," from the Blue Sky Puppet Theatre of University Park will perform.

Eddie Roby, education service manager at the Allegany County Human Resources Development Commission's Oldtown Road Center, is one of the event organizers.

"It's important for children to be more involved with movement and healthy eating.," he said.

Roby said the fair will bring people to their feet whether it's through a Nintendo Wii system, Dance Dance Revolution or dancing with Choosy. Parents also will have the chance to take home information on healthy eating choices and how to get their kids active. A coloring contest and T-shirt giveaway also are part of the event.

Choosy, based in Morgantown, W.Va., is new this year and is the creation of Linda Carson, a West Virginia University professor. Roby first met Choosy, whose motto is "I'm Moving, I'm Learning," during training last August.

Roby said the Choosy songs are the children's favorites at the Head Start center.

He's also taken the lessons home, which is something parents are encouraged to do. For example, instead of ice cream as a reward for good behavior or school work, he offers fruits such as strawberries. His daughters also love waffles with faces made from fruit.

"They try it because it looks appealing to them," he said.

For more information, call (301) 876-9049, Ext. 101.

Contact Maria Smith at msmith@times-news.com.