Free event to feature vendor tables, moon bounces, face painting and more
From moon bounces to face painting, vendor tables to crafting, families can sign up for an afternoon of free fun when the South Jersey Kids Expo comes to Cooper River Park on Wednesday, Aug. 22. The event, hosted by The Sun Newspapers and co-sponsored by the Camden County Department of Parks, will run from 3 to 7 p.m. between LaScala Birra and the Camden County Boathouse.
“It’s a nice way to spend an afternoon. There’s no pressure. There’s no admission fee,” The Sun Newspapers Director of Marketing and Events Angela Smith said. “You can come in, enjoy and go at your own pace.”
Vendors will have tables at the expo, educating and sharing information on companies offering services for families and children. Kids can jump on moon bounces and try their hand at carnival games by J-Dogs Catering & Amusements, fictional characters will come to life compliments of Laura’s Princess Appearances, and there will be face painting and crafts.
This is the fourth Kids Expo for The Sun Newspapers, and each event has been well-attended, according to Smith.
Camden County was eager to come on board as co-sponsor, providing a great spot for the expo at Cooper River Park.
“I think residents and visitors will find one of the secrets of county government here at the expo, which is to say the information that both the Health Department and the Department of Children’s Services provide on a range of different issues,” Camden County Freeholder Jeffrey L. Nash said. “If I had to guess I would say that a majority of people wouldn’t even know that the Department of Children’s Services exists, so this expo will provide us with an excellent opportunity to showcase these very important functions and the ease to gain access to these services. In short, this allows the public to put a face with a name when it comes to services offered by the Freeholder Board and provides us with the ability to bridge the gap and communicate directly with residents to learn and educate them about the hundreds of services we offer.”
Sister Donna Minster of the Department of Children’s Services is eager to show what the department offers.
“As a community member ourselves, Children’s Services is always on the lookout for resources for children and families. Many of my colleagues are looking for resources, too. An expo is a great vehicle to bring us all together,” Minster said. “Parents are the best advocate for their children. Engaging with them at expos like this on family and childcare needs is conducive to a better overall family dynamic. And there is no greater or more valuable asset in our community than our children and families.”
While the South Jersey Kids Expo is free, pre-registration is requested at www.nmg.ticketleap.com/cckids. A vendor list is available on the website.
