It's the more the merrier when it comes to finding sponsors and exhibitors for the second annual Shuswap Family Expo.
Though they’ve got some sponsors and exhibitors already onboard for the Expo this fall, co-founders Missy Morrison Charko and Dr. Taylor Bean are still looking for more participants as they grow the event bigger and better.
“We’re really excited, we’re starting to gear up. It’s a little early but we’re starting to get some sponsors rolling in... exhibitors that have already applied,” said Morrison Charko. "We’re just getting the ball rolling. Our big thing right now is pushing for more sponsors and exhibitors to start applying for things.”
They have three of the four speakers confirmed, including two returning from last year; co-founder/CEO of Kidstar Nutrients Caitlyn Vanderhaeghe, and former NHL player Jared Aulin. Third is a new addition of Kylie Judge, a registered therapeutic counsellor and certified compassionate bereavement care provider.
“So kind of focus there for us... because of all the tragic incidents that have happened in the area for the teens, so we wanted to focus a bit on grief and how to cope with that,” Morrison Charko said. “And what parents can do to help their kids cope with that, especially for that teen, high school age group that suffered quite a bit this year. We’re really excited to have her, because it’s just been a terrible year here for the teens.”
Aside from the main speakers, they also have all the representatives from different organizations returning as well, including Erin Stagg from SASCU, the Food Action Society and 4-H among others, which Morrison Charko is thrilled about.
“I just love getting to highlight... what’s going on in the community,” Morrison Charko said. “That’s such a big part of this.”
In addition to that educational component, there will be plenty of fun in the Kids Zone with bouncy castles, music, Evan the Juggler, Kiki the Eco Elf, Kong from the Salmon Arm Silverbacks and music.
A variety of food trucks will also be on site to fuel the day, including 6 Beans Roasting, Yukon Smash, Oasis Delights and Van’s Grill.
The layout of the event will be slightly different this year, with the stage in the centre, exhibitors in a U around it, food trucks up front and the Kids' Zone in the back as they learned that a lot of kids didn’t really get past the lure of the bouncy castles and the speakers got lost on the sidelines.
“We’re learning,” Morrison Charko said. “Each year we’ll get better and better.”
Admission to the Expo is by donation – cash, gift cards or non-perishable food – with all proceeds going to their partner organization, the Shuswap Family Centre, which will also be the beneficiary of the raffle. Wristbands for the bouncy castles will go on sale closer to the event, with those $10 as they were last year.
The Expo will take place at the north Salmon Arm fairgrounds on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To become a part of this growing event, as a sponsor, exhibitor or volunteer, sign up online at shuswapfamilyexpo.ca, or email them directly at theshufamilyexpo@gmail.com.
“We’re excited. It was a great event last year... each year we’ll become more known, and that’s super exciting,” Morrison Charko said. “I think it’s just such an important thing that parents can come out, and kids can come out and they can learn about, there’s so many things that everybody doesn’t know about that are going on in the area.”
