The Central Alberta Family Expo is back again this month and will feature celebrity characters Toopy and Binoo amongst a variety of other entertainment.
The event takes place on March 21st and 22nd in the Parkland Pavilion of Westerner Park. Tickets are $10 for guests over 14 years of age.
“This is a family show that has lots of activities and exhibits for each member to enjoy. It’ll be a great day to have a family adventure,” said Co-producer Pat Moore, who created the expo with her peers Nancy Paish and Tera Johnson.
“There will be face-painters, inflatable bouncers and even a petting zoo. There will be free photos by Pamela Schwartz Photography so families can take home pictures of themselves or the kids. There is also a story time area and celebrity characters. This year our main feature for the celebrity characters is Toopy and Binoo. That’s a meet and greet, so everyone is invited to bring their camera and take pictures of their kids on stage with the characters.”
The expo also includes a host of other entertainment, including a Cornerstone Youth Theatre production, a Snow White story time and a princess meet with members of Cornerstone. Also, a mother’s room is available to accommodate nursing, changing and rest in a private area.
“The Expo really addresses all members of the family – you’ve got everything from clothing, to kids’ accessories, to jewellery. There is a lot of variety in the products being sold and shared. There are also educational exhibitors so people can get ideas on investments, education for children, health and fitness – those kinds of things,” Moore said.
A variety of baked goods will also be for sale at the Expo in the Market Square area. Dance Magic Studios will be providing some entertainment for the guests and there will be an air guitar contest as well as a hula-hooping contest.
This year, a featured guest at the Expo is the Red Deer and District SPCA, who will have an exhibitor booth as well as a few furry friends for visitors to hang out with.
The group will be bringing canine therapy dogs in to interact with guests on Saturday, and on Sunday they will bring adoptable animals that people can learn about. The adoptable animals are non-interactive, but are there to help explain what SPCA does in the area.
Moore said that each year, the Expo is a little bit different.
“Every year we grow and get new exhibitors and new activities and things to do. Every year, the people that participate bring something new to show or sell or talk about,” she said.
The exhibitors will display products that aim to please every age group. From make-up vendors, to healthy food alternatives to toys and men’s clothing, the Expo has it covered, she said.
Over 50 exhibitors will also be in attendance over the weekend. A full list of vendors, time details and entertainment is available at www.centralablertafamilyexpo.com.
kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com
