Escape Cabin Fever at the Eighth Annual Hannaford Kidz Expo
ALBANY, NY – A perennial favorite for kids and parents alike, the eighth annual Hannaford Kidz Expo will return to the Empire State Plaza in Albany, NY, on Saturday, March 2 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Presented by the New York State Office of General Services, the Hannaford Kidz Expo offers families a high-quality combination of entertainment and education featuring theatre and dance performances, wildlife experts, music, arts and crafts, sports activities and more.
Over 100 family-friendly vendors and exhibitors will entertain the more than 10,000 people expected to visit this year’s expo. Vendors include summer camps, health care, sports clubs, photographers, dance studios and amusement parks. Admission is free.
“Hannaford Supermarkets is proud to once again partner with the New York State Office of General Services to make possible a family-oriented event that encourages kids to enjoy learning, eat healthy and stay active,” said Hannaford Supermarkets Albany District Manager Mike Merrow. “We look forward to welcoming families to the Empire State Plaza to enjoy a fun-filled day of learning and exploration.”
Get Fit and Have Fun at the Hannaford Healthy Kids Room
Children will have fun while learning about the importance of good nutrition and staying active at the Hannaford Healthy Kids Room in meeting rooms 3 and 4. Kids will be encouraged to take part in a round-up of fun and active pastimes including jump rope, hopscotch and hula-hooping. A registered dietician from Hannaford Supermarkets will test children’s knowledge of nutrition during rounds of trivia and kids will also have the opportunity to learn about fruits and vegetables during a coloring activity.
Children who complete any three activities in the Hannaford Healthy Kids Room will win a special prize. Additionally, each family who enters the room will receive a coupon for $5 off a $50 purchase at Hannaford Supermarkets.
Theatre, Music & Dance Performances for All Ages
The eighth annual Hannaford Kidz Expo will feature a special appearance from everyone’s favorite purple dinosaur during a Barney Sing-A-Long in the Swyer Theatre. The loveable, huggable T-rex will invite children to explore exciting places as he encourages caring, sharing, imagining, dancing and learning along the way. Children and families will have the opportunity to take pictures with Barney throughout the expo.
The popular Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey CircusFit troupe will return to this year’s expo with its national youth fitness program. The performance, which combines the fun of circus clowns and skills with stretching, strength building and aerobic exercise, encourages America’s youth to lead healthy, active lifestyles. Kids are also invited to take part in dragon-themed circus crafts in between performances.
Children will be enchanted with performances from the School of the Albany Berkshire Ballet. The company will perform a mix of classical ballet and contemporary dance with choreography from the company and faculty repertoire.
Kids are also invited to meet Merdwin the Mediocre and help him make magical slime when visiting the Schenectady Theater for Children in meeting room 2.
Explore the World, the Great Outdoors & Space
Families will experience cultures around the world at the Go! Where Children Discover the World! Exhibit from the World Awareness Children’s Museum. The hands-on global art and culture museum will display international children’s art and a number of global artifacts from the museum’s collection, including toys, dolls and masks. Kids will also be able to make music with percussion instruments from West Africa and the Caribbean; play dress-up in international children’s clothing from China, Mexico and Iran; learn to use chopsticks; and create a global art project to take home.
Kids will explore the great world of transportation by taking a ride on the Roaming Railroad. Engineer Dan DeCosmo will entertain passengers with comedy, train songs, and inspirational routines during the memorable ride. Not just for children, the Roaming Railroad was custom built to accommodate adults, making it a true family attraction. Rides on the Roaming Railroad will be offered throughout the day in the Main Concourse.
The Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center will allow children to learn about this fascinating and globally-rare eco-system during a scavenger hunt on the concourse. Booth visitors will also have the opportunity to touch a turtle shell, explore animal tracks and skills, learn how to help the environment and find out more about the 3,200-acre nature preserve with 18 miles of trails.
Children can journey through space and time while exploring the universe and ancient cultures at the Starlab Learning Dome Planetarium Adventure. The portable planetarium will capture the attention and enthusiasm of children while they learn about astronomy.
The Reptile Adventure Room will provide children a close-up view of snakes, frogs, and tortoises in meeting room 1. A returning favorite, the exhibit combines biology, chemistry, zoology, and ecology to educate children on the habits of amphibians and reptiles.
Let’s Get Physical
Kids can take their best swing at being a golf pro at the Northeastern New York Professional Golf Association booth. A local PGA professional will analyze each child’s swing and offer the opportunity to learn more about the organization’s Junior Golf Association.
Get into the groove while taking part in fun dance fitness with Zumba Instructor Cassandra Carter. Cassandra will offer dance demonstrations set to a Latin beat designed to get kids moving while having a blast on the dance floor.
Expo visitors ages 3-6 are invited to visit the Obstacle House! for a fun and wild game that will keep them moving and grooving to a healthy beat.
Something Fun for Everyone
Kids will be entertained by the variety of character meet-and-greets, activities, displays, and shows offered at the Hannaford Kidz Expo. Other exciting activities include bounce rides; arts and crafts; face painting; giveaways; and balloon animals.
General Information
The eighth annual Hannaford Kidz Expo will take place on Saturday, March 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, N.Y. Attendance is free.
For more information about the Hannaford Kidz Expo, please call 518-474-0538 or visit www.empirestateplaza.org.
