The fourth annual Central Alberta Family Expo will take place this Saturday and Sunday in the Parkland Pavilion of the Westerner Grounds.

This locally-produced and fun-filled trade show/expo focuses on families and hopes to provide activities for every member of the family.

The Central Alberta Family Expo aims to give families a place to spend time together, while visiting various activities as well as booths on how to keep your family informed and healthy.

This year’s expo will feature a highlight performance by Rainbow Dash from My Little Pony on the live entertainment main stage.

Rainbow Dash promises to bring excitement to little boys and girls alike.

Pat Moore, part of the Central Alberta Family Expo’s production team and founding members, explained that they chose Rainbow Dash to visit the expo this year because of Rainbow Dash’s popularity with children.

Families can expect an exciting day on the entertainment stage with performances by various dance companies, local entertainers, magicians, clowns, and the acclaimed Air Guitar Contest.

“Safety City will have their own little quad course set up,” explained Moore.

“Kids can come in an learn the rules of the road and get demonstrations.”

The Thistle Hill Petting Zoo will be in attendance at the expo both days as well where children will have the opportunity to interact with a variety of animals including wallabies, goats, rabbits and turkeys.

For a small fee children can have their faces painted and bounce inside the inflatable bouncers.

Moore promises all in attendance with leave filled with laughter and family fun.

This year’s event also welcomes Pamela Schwartz Photography who will be set up for a free family or kid’s photo which you may leave the show with.

“This year we are excited to welcome for the first time the Student Art Competition which we have spread the word for throughout schools,” said Moore.

“Students can bring their art in for a chance to win a grand prize and have it viewed by judges.”

On Saturday, parents may bring their children to the Red Deer’s Child Magazine booth where they will be holding their annual Kid’s Cover Contest where they hope to find a local child to take the place on their upcoming magazine cover.

The Central Alberta Family Expo will be hosting the Medicine River Wildlife Centre this year as their featured non-profit organization.

The wildlife centre will be creating a special area of interest for children to enjoy, as well as have their spokes-animal Otis the Owl on site who will be giving readings to children from his new series of novels.

“We couldn’t be more excited to be sponsoring Medicine River Wildlife Centre this expo after the snow damage they received this winter,” explained Moore.

Admission costs are $8 per adult, with children 14 and under free.

For more information on show times and exhibitor information visit http://www.centralalbertafamilyexpo.com/ or like visit the expo’s facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Central-Alberta-Family-Expo.

jswan@reddeerexpress.com