Just like kids themselves, the Yorkton Kids Expo is getting bigger every year. Presented by Joey's Kids Apparel, the event has grown into the Gallagher Center, expanding to four times the size.
Joelle Bohn, event organizer, says that the second year of the event is defined by two words, more and better. There were double the number of booths for the trade portion, and kids themselves were able to enjoy a wider variety of entertainment, attractions and activities.
Bohn says the event came about out of a desire to bring something different to the city, taking the inspiration from similar Kids Expos in larger centers. The event itself has brought out people from those larger centers like Saskatoon and Regina, with the smaller scale being appealing to many of the people and businesses who took part.
"We wanted to bring a big city feel to Yorkton."
For many parents, knowing what's available for their kids in the community is a challenge, and Bohn says part of the goal is to share what Yorkton has to offer. She says it's important for anyone who is even planning to have kids in the future.
"Especially that first year after having a baby you're overwhelmed by so much information. This way you can take your pace and take it all in.
"It highlights all the businesses people don't even know about, and all of the activities people don't even know about. There are a lot of activities that are kind of lost in the shuffle. Here, parents can find out where they can bring their kids on Monday afternoon... Plus, all the home based businesses that don't actually have a store front."
The event went well in the new space show the move to the Gallagher Centre was the right one for the expo.
For next year, Bohn says the plan is to take what's been learned in the larger space to make the event both bigger and better in the future, as well as use the experience to learn to manage crowds at the event more efficiently.
All proceeds from the Kid's Expo will go to the wheelchair accessible playground in Weinmaster Park, and Bohn says that they hope to see the park open this summer.
