13 minute read
The Parenting Biz: The Mama & Family Expo Is For Dads Too
THE PARENTING BIZ The Mama & Family Expo Returns For A Sixth Year
More space, more activities and an extra day of shopping this June!
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By Jim Murphy Photos courtesy of In Depth Productions, unless marked
We 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 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-to-
Carolyn Humphrey and Paige Elizabeth attend a past Mama & Family Expo, wearing their babies and ready to shop!
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,
Teanna McKay, Producer of The Mama & Family Expo poses with her young twins in 2021. Photo courtesy of Sarah Ann Photography.
colouring pages, crafts, sing-a-longs and photo-ops.
“The Dad Den” was created for the men in a child’s life and is an area housing activities and seminars just for them. This special section has a lounge and is packed with experts (like the Fantastic Fathers Community Group), products and services for the modern dad.
As well, a number of local makers are on site, with one-of-a-kind products, handmade with love, sponsored by the Urban Art Market.
Over $1,000 in Mama Expo Dollars from the Motor City Community Credit Union are being given away to be spent at the event! Plus, free swag bags go to the first 100 people in attendance on both Friday and Saturday.
One day passes are $5 in advance and $10 at the door. Weekend passes valid for both Friday and Saturday are $8 in advance and $15 at the door on Friday. Children under 12 can attend at no charge on both days.
Tickets are available online and in local stores such as: Three Lambs Registry & Baby Boutique (see address in their section to follow); The Kids Shoppe (see address in their section to follow); the Urban Art Market (548 Chilver Road, Windsor) and Baby Envy Boutique (1645 Wyandotte Street East, Windsor).
The Expo also supports a charitable cause. A portion of the ticket sales are going directly to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwestern Ontario. The Red Shoe Society of Windsor-Essex has a booth and Kids Craft Table on site, with volunteers collecting donations as well.
As for health and safety policies, McKay and her team are dedicated to creating a safe environment for attendees and exhibitors.
As we live and adapt to a post-COVID-19 world, masks and face coverings are recommended for everyone aged two and older.
“We are increasing our cleaning schedule and will be disinfecting high-touch and hightraffic areas multiple times a day,” indicates McKay. “We have a one-way directional flow, sanitizer stations throughout the event and large aisles to allow for physical distancing.”
You can keep up to date with the latest information about the event on the website: TheMamaExpo.ca.
But first, until the Expo opens its doors to the public, let’s fill you in a bit more about these partners, sponsors and supporters.
The companies are also some of the vendors you and your family can meet when visiting The Mama & Family Expo this June.
Located at 13444 Tecumseh Road East in the St. Clair Beach Plaza (Manning Road and Tecumseh Road East), Three Lambs
The booth for presenting partner, Three Lambs Registry & Baby Boutique is pictured at a previous Expo. Visit their booth this year to chat with staff about all the must-have mommy and baby essentials.
Registry & Baby Boutique specializes in all things baby, including — but not limited to — nursery furnishings and décor, baby shower registries, strollers, car seats, clothing, toys, gifts and more.
“We strive to offer the best products at the best prices, and try our best to curate products for everyone’s style, budget and needs,” says Jeanine Jodoin, Owner of Three Lambs Registry & Baby Boutique who began the business in 2015. “We offer concierge style shopping experiences for those in a hurry, and free registry consultations and registry creation services. We are also the area’s largest nursery furniture showroom!”
Jodoin tells Biz X she has participated in the Expo in the past and is excited to be this year’s presenting partner.
“The Mama & Family Expo is a great way to engage with the community,” she believes. Jodoin adds: “It’s also an opportunity to introduce people to our wonderful curation of fabulous products and friendly service.”
Want to know more? Visit the website: ThreeLambs.ca and their booth at the Expo!
Searching for Windsor’s premier children’s and maternity resale shop? Look no further than a locally owned and operated business, The Kids Shoppe found at 2950 Dougall Avenue in Windsor.
Established in 2015, The Kids Shoppe buys and sells new and gently-used children’s clothing, toys, books, baby gear and maternity clothing.
“We offer sellers the opportunity to recycle nearly-new items and get paid on the spot,” says Klara Pardal, Owner of The Kids Shoppe. “Savvy shoppers can browse an immense range of items, from clothing to toys to strollers to home décor, all up to 70 percent off regular retail!”
Her business is always in attendance
Sponsor: The Kids Shoppe
at The Mama & Family Expo in order to stay abreast of the latest happenings and innovations in the baby and motherhood industry. Find out further details about this company on: TheKidsShoppe.ca.
The School House Academy Daycare Services attends The Mama & Family Expo every year to provide families with information on registering their children (up to age 12) in their quality facilities.
Along with providing exceptional quality child care in Windsor for infant, toddler, preschool and school age children, The School House Academy has two state-of-the-art facilities located at 3450 Ypres Avenue (opened in 2016) and 1235 Grand Marais Road West in Windsor (The School House Early Learning Centre, open since 2013).
“Our main 20,000 square foot facility (Ypres Avenue) includes a safari area, marketplace, cafeteria, library, science lab, garden centre, tech areas, engineering area, six large outdoor playgrounds, two indoor playgrounds, plus a beautiful large classroom implementing Montessori and Emilio Reggio philosophy within our curriculum,” states Maureen Garvin, Owner of The School House Academy. “A School-Age Campus, as well as Registered Early Childhood Educators throughout the centre, teach an advanced curriculum to prepare the children for elementary school.”
Come out and visit their booth at the Expo to learn more about all they have to offer and a chance to win raffle prizes. You can also check them out online at: TheSchoolHouseAcademy.com.
Since 2017, Rana Eye Care, 1303 County Road 22, Unit 170 in Belle River, has been involved in The Mama & Family Expo.
“I love seeing kids and doing their eye exams” says Dr. Kreeshna Rana, Owner of Rana Eye Care. “I actually find them fun and I take satisfaction in discovering issues early on to improve eyesight in the future.”
She adds: “Plus, The Mama & Family Expo is a great way to meet new moms and soon to be moms.”
Join the Evermore Princess Parties in The Enchanted Castle sponsored by The Kids Shoppe, The Balloon Artist and Biz X magazine. Children can enjoy activities, sing-a-longs, crafts and photos with their favourite story book characters.
Sponsor: Rana Eye Care
Opened in 2015, Rana Eye Care’s eight employees specialize in full comprehensive eye exams, infant/children exams, contact lenses fit and train, Lasik referrals, and full dispensary for eyeglasses for all budgets.
For more information, visit their booth at The Mama & Family Expo or view their website: RanaEyeCare.com.
With two locations — 815 Erie Street East in Windsor and 6020 Malden Road in LaSalle — the Shred Shop Wellness Complex is a female-owned and operated group training facility and wellness complex.
They offer group fitness classes, yoga, oneon-one personal training, injury prevention, injury rehabilitation, pre and post-natal training, nutritional health (overseen by an on-staff Registered Holistic Practitioner specializing in fat loss solutions, disordered eating, anti-aging and menopause) and Reiki energy healing.
“Our facility is equipped with a built-in clinic offering massage therapy, chiropractic service, natural cosmetic services, warm yoga and nutritionist and Reiki Master,” describes Sawyer Telegdy, President and Owner of the Shred Shop Wellness Complex. “Our fitness circuits include both resistance-based movements and cardio intervals. We create the optimal metabolic demand for overall conditioning, meaning we melt stubborn body fat while building lean muscle tissue at the same time.”
Telegdy tells Biz X it is their staff of seven personal/group trainers, one yoga specialist and one nutritionist, plus their one-on-one training experience that really sets them apart from others in their industry.
“Our coaches are certified in injury prevention, injury rehabilitation and pre and post-natal training,” she notes. “Our goal is to fuel healthy pregnancies, attaining everyday nutritional health goals, address disordered eating and manage aging and menopause.”
The Shred Shop Wellness Complex has been involved in The Mama & Family Expo since the business opened in 2018.
“Due to our staff being pre/post natal certified, it’s crucial that new moms and pregnant moms know the importance of remaining active during and after their pregnancy,” says Telegdy. “The Mama & Family Expo is a great place to bring awareness to new moms about how our facility is built to keep them safe while training, guide them nutritionally for an optimal birthing/breast feeding experience and support them mentally during the stressful times of new motherhood.”
Look for Telegdy at the Expo (sharing a space with Elevate Health Boutique) who is speaking there about the importance of pre, during and post-natal care, overcoming “mom guilt” and time and expectation management.
After or before the Expo, for more information on Telegdy’s business see the website: ShredShop.ca.
For over 60 years, CST Savings has offered a reliable way to save for a child’s post-secondary education with a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP), specializing in helping parents and grandparents register a child for an RESP.
“We can also help you collect free government grants,” states Laurie Grant, Sales Representative at CST Savings. “These grants include the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) which is $7,200, and the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) which is $2,000 for post-secondary education.”
Grant has been involved with the Expo for six years in order to help more families secure a future for their children.
She points out. “I will be at the Expo this year giving away children’s books.”
For more information on the company refer to: CSTResp.com/2931.
Sponsor: Shred Shop Wellness Complex
Jillian and Edison Smith, along with Chris Fuerth, smile for the camera after cheering on a friend entered in a contest at the 2019 Mama & Family Expo.
The Expo Is Back & Better Than Ever
The Mama & Family Expo for 2022 is going to be one amazing event, filled with lots of shopping, socializing, learning opportunities and chances for mamas and papas to be pampered too!
With over 75 businesses and organizations in attendance — including the ones profiled above and others such as: Rock-A-Bye Baby Boutique, Little Kickers WindsorEssex County, Terra Green Gardens, Kristy’s Custom Cakes, Little Foot Foods, Wee Watch Licensed Home Child Care, Peekabloom Baby Accessories, LD Media and more — a larger venue and so many giveaways and activities, your family can’t afford to miss it this June!
