The Children’s Trust 2011 Family Expo, sponsored by Target, will host its fifth annual, FREE, all-day festival to provide parents with direct access to educational, health and social services in a fun and festive atmosphere, at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo Center, 10901 Coral Way, on Saturday, May 14th from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Already the largest free event of its kind in our community, with record crowds of more than 20,000 in prior years, more than 200 displays are featured in two exhibit halls showcasing information about summer and after-school programs, injury prevention, vaccinations, programs for children with special needs, Pre-K registration, KidCare and much more. Each hall also offers two stages packed with entertainment; face painting; balloon sculpture; stilt walkers; magicians; and character greeting for children to meet Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob, Dora the Explorer and Diego.
A special reading corner by the Miami-Dade Family Learning Partnership offers storytelling and free books to take home. The Miami Children’s Museum will operate a fun-filled arts and crafts area based on their new Mr. Potato Head exhibit; and NEW this year is a “baby and me” structured playtime area for babies and toddlers staffed by the University of Miami’s Families First program.
Chess tournaments will be held by Stormont Kings; science education will be provided in the Whacky Wild Science Area and Experience Aviation’s Barrington Irving, the youngest person to pilot a plane around the world solo, is providing aviation simulators for school-age children and youth to test.
Lastly, in the new Expo Greenhouse, teachers in The Education Fund’s Plant a Thousand Gardens nutrition initiative will run edible gardening workshops where children will get to transplant their very own vegetable or herb plant and learn about how to grow healthy foods at home. On display will be a sample of the 4’x4’ raised garden beds used in their school-yard edible garden program, which are also perfect for home use. To further drive home that lesson, Norman Brothers Produce will operate an indoor, fresh produce market to encourage families to add more fruits and vegetables to their diet.
Back by popular demand is the indoors Sports Fun Zone featuring T-ball and speed pitching practice presented by Florida Marlins. Kids also will be able to practice their tennis swing and free throw shots in this action packed area. Outside, there will be rock climbing walls and elaborate bounce houses.
The Children’s Trust will give away free gifts to the first 2,000 children. Admission, parking, all activities and entertainment are free. Food will be sold by vendors of the Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition Center.
“In these difficult economic times with so many families in need, an event like this becomes even more important to connect families to valuable services and especially in a fun and entertaining atmosphere that provides families with an opportunity to share quality time together at little or no cost to them,” said Modesto E. Abety, President and CEO of The Children’s Trust. “At a time when most corporate sponsorship is diminishing, we are grateful to have significant, continued support from Target to allow us to continue this event.”
The sponsorship grant is part of an ongoing effort by Target to strengthen families and communities throughout the country. Since opening its doors, Target has given 5 percent of its income to organizations that support education, the arts, social services and volunteerism. Today that equals more than $3 million every week.
“At Target, our local grants are making a difference in the communities we serve,” said Laysha Ward, president, community relations, Target. “We’re proud to partner with The Children’s Trust as part of our ongoing commitment to give back to the communities where our guests and team members live and work.”
Media sponsors include The Miami Herald, El Nuevo Herald, momsmiami.com and Univision Radio. For more information about The Children’s Trust Family Expo, visit www.thechildrenstrust.org/events-parents or call 211 The Children’s Trust Helpline.