Children’s’ entertainment and informative seminars are on offer this weekend at the eighth annual Vancouver Island Baby Fair at Pearkes arena.
Popular children’s performers and two-time Juno nominees Bobs & Lolo will perform on the main stage, and parents can experience talks on topics like preparing for birth, fitness for new moms and financial tips for young families.
“Most visitors to the baby fair come expecting some unique shopping from great local businesses and to find helpful information to make life a bit easier,” said fair producer Shirley Broback. “We try to present a number of topics at the main stage to let new moms and dads get the most out of their visit.
Jay Duncan, a doula, and Laura Warren will challenge parents-to-be to prepare for the birth of their child as they would a wedding or another major life event.
“How often do we plan or prepare for special events or occasions in our lives,” Duncan said. “Think about your wedding, buying your home, preparing for an exam or researching phone plans. What are you doing to prepare for your upcoming birth?”
Broback said the event will be about more than just babies. It’s also a chance for parents to have a fun day out of the house.
In addition to nearly 100 exhibitors and the main stage schedule, the fair features a fun kids’ corner, a baby changing zone, comfortable baby feeding area, café, and an on-site photography studio and photo contest.
“The photo contest is always a big hit,,” Broback said.
“Each year the net proceeds of the contest are donated to a local charity; this year we’re proudly supporting the Victoria Society for Children with Autism.”
The baby fair runs Saturday, 10 a..m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
See more at vancouverislandbabyfair.com.
