THE PARENTING BIZ
The Mama & Family Expo Returns For A Sixth Year More space, more activities and an extra day of shopping this June!
By Jim Murphy Photos courtesy of In Depth Productions, unless marked
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e all know it takes a village to raise a family, but occasionally it feels like we’re doing it alone. Have no fear, help is here! For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, The Mama & Family Expo — presented by Three Lambs Registry & Baby Boutique — is bringing the village back to parenting in Windsor and Essex County. This year’s one-of-a-kind family trade show takes place at the Tecumseh Arena, 12021 McNorton Street, for two days — Friday, June 24 from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees come to find and shop for the finest pregnancy and parenting essentials, while being treated to samples, pampering, swag and workshops. Friday is geared toward parents. While kids are welcome, this night features pampering, giveaways, speakers, entertainment and craft stations — all for adults. Moms and dads are encouraged to come out and bring their friends for a fun evening. Saturday is family day and features programming, contests and activities for the entire family! Teanna McKay, Producer of The Mama & Family Expo, is proud of the relationship they have built with the community over the years. “The Mama & Family Expo has a proven track record and we continue to strive to make our Expo and parenting event stand out as a leader in our community for a place to find top products, businesses and service providers for parents and their families,” she expresses. “We seek new and innovative partners who will improve our event and further our mission of providing a social experience through offering shopping, pampering, services, sampling and other activities.” According to McKay, exhibitors are carefully vetted through an application process, which allows them to curate the very best possible businesses that will help build their vision. “For 2022 we are excited to move to Tecumseh Arena,” says McKay. “This larger space is all on one level making it easier for strollers and small children, plus it provides larger aisles for shopping and more space to have lots of new activities!” The increase in show space also allows
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Carolyn Humphrey and Paige Elizabeth attend a past Mama & Family Expo, wearing their babies and ready to shop!
for more exhibitors, including the best products in baby and maternity, sleep wellness specialists, health and wellness professionals, pampering services such as infant massage and beauty products, handmade items including one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories, and décor, child care, education and community programs. In addition, there are plenty of cool companies in the Exhibitor Village with interesting products and services. Embrace Dental Hygiene is conducting free dental checks for children. The Beadiva is doing on-site DIY workshops of their Mommy and Me bracelets. Music For Young Children is offering music classes (obviously LOL!) and performances during the event and The Art Lab has a slime bar for the kids. The 2022 Expo also features new activities and areas including . . . The Main Stage featuring celebrity influencers, health and wellness seminars, musical entertainment, interactive how-toBIZ X M AG A Z I N E • J U N E 2 0 2 2
demos, all sponsored by The School House Academy Daycare Services. A new Health, Wellness & Pampering Pavilion where attendees can find exhibitors who want the best for you inside and out, sponsored by Shred Shop Wellness Complex + Elevate Health Boutique Inc., has also been added. Since the Expo is all about family members having a fun and comfortable time while they visit from booth to booth, The Comfort Cabana features an infant feeding lounge and private change tables. This is thanks to two sponsors, Knowledge First Financial and Rana Eye Care. The Enchanted Castle is sponsored by The Kids Shoppe, The Balloon Artist and Biz X magazine. It is a magical kingdom complete with a fairy tale décor where kids — big or small — can meet their favourite storybook characters. Guests enter the balloon castle to find the classic storybook princesses and princes from Evermore Princess Parties, who provide story time,
