Red Deer and Central Alberta’s own fun-filled trade show and expo for businesses and families will be showcased at this year’s sixth annual Family Expo set to take place this weekend.
The focus of the show will be on families and will be held at Westerner Park on March 19th – 20th.
“We encourage people to come out because the expo is so much fun,” said Pat Moore, producer/partner of the Central Alberta Family Expo. “There are great swag bags for the first 250 families each day with lots of fun stuff in them.”
Dora the Explorer and Diego will be at the show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day to meet and greet guests. There will also be a petting zoo featuring more than 30 different kinds of animals courtesy of Thistle Hill Pet Farms. Youngsters can also enjoy getting their faces painted as well as taking a turn in the bumper balls to bouncing in a number of bouncy castles.
“We’ve added another bouncer this year, so one is geared to the really little guys,” said Moore.
There will also be entertainment on the main stage which will include demonstrations from Premier Cheer, Dance Magic Studios and Strive Dance Academy. Air guitar and hula hoop contests will also take place daily as well.
There will also be a variety of market exhibitors and local organizations on hand for patrons to enjoy.
Officials with the Central Alberta Family Expo also work annually to host a local non-profit organization to bring awareness to. This year that organization is the Make a Wish Foundation. They will have characters from the 501 Badlands Garrison to pose for pictures with guests for a donation to the Make a Wish Foundation. These characters will include Stormtroopers or other Star Wars characters.
As well on Sunday a 12-year-old Red Deerian will have his head shaved in support the Make a Wish Foundation.
“We always have a great turnout because it’s a fun place to be,” said Moore, of the expo.
Hours for the expo include 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 19th and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 20th. Admission is $10 at the door for adults, with children under the age of 14 free. Advance tickets are available for $8 at www.centralalbertafamilyexpo.com.
efawcett@reddeerexpress.com
