It's the more the merrier when it comes to finding sponsors and exhibitors for the second annual Shuswap Family Expo.
Though they鈥檝e 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.
鈥淲e鈥檙e really excited, we鈥檙e starting to gear up. It鈥檚 a little early but we鈥檙e starting to get some sponsors rolling in... exhibitors that have already applied,鈥� said Morrison Charko. "We鈥檙e just getting the ball rolling. Our big thing right now is pushing for more sponsors and exhibitors to start applying for things.鈥�
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.
鈥淪o 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,鈥� Morrison Charko said. 鈥淎nd 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鈥檙e really excited to have her, because it鈥檚 just been a terrible year here for the teens.鈥�
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.
鈥淚 just love getting to highlight... what鈥檚 going on in the community,鈥� Morrison Charko said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 such a big part of this.鈥�
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鈥檚 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鈥檛 really get past the lure of the bouncy castles and the speakers got lost on the sidelines.
鈥淲e鈥檙e learning,鈥� Morrison Charko said. 鈥淓ach year we鈥檒l get better and better.鈥�
Admission to the Expo is by donation 鈥� cash, gift cards or non-perishable food 鈥� 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 , or email them directly at .
鈥淲e鈥檙e excited. It was a great event last year... each year we鈥檒l become more known, and that鈥檚 super exciting,鈥� Morrison Charko said. 鈥淚 think it鈥檚 just such an important thing that parents can come out, and kids can come out and they can learn about, there鈥檚 so many things that everybody doesn鈥檛 know about that are going on in the area.鈥�
