The first Baby Expo was held this time last year at the Saratoga Independent School and was so successful that the school, along with event partner SaratogaMama, decided to put it on again with the hopes of an even better turnout this year—and with all of the vendor booths selling out, it looks like the event will be a success again.
“It started off as a fundraiser for the Saratoga Independent School, and it ended up turning into a really terrific event for parents to be able to connect with the resources they need, from preschool options to birthing options, to products and services catering to kids and families, especially those with babies and toddlers,” said Colleen Pierre, owner of SaratogaMama.
The event boasts 45 different vendors, onsite baby portrait photos, music and crafts class, a Safe Child ID booth, and several informational presentations for those interested in learning about various topics, such as doulas or how to choose a preschool.
“Parents can buy everything from handmade baby products to essential oils to handmade skin care and toys and books,” Pierre said. “It’s a great opportunity not only to shop around but to learn from the presentations and to be able to talk to some of the other services that are out there.”
A bake sale will also be held at the event with all proceeds being donated to a charity called To Love A Child, a local nonprofit that does work for children in Haiti and Zimbabwe. The charity is currently collecting gently-used baby gear to be shipped to Haiti so the organization can build a daycare center.
“We’ll be collecting gently-used baby gear, from swings and cribs to walkers and high chairs and even toys, so parents can get rid of some of their stuff and it goes to a great cause,” Pierre said. “All the proceeds from the bake sale will go to the charity as well.”
Pierre said the Baby Expo is a one-of-a-kind event.
“It’s the only event of this kind in the area—that’s what makes it unique, because there are no other baby expos in this area so it’s a great way to see the Saratoga Independent School, which is a wonderful school with a really beautiful campus, and it’s just a nice event.”
Admission to the Saratoga Baby Expo is free for everyone and the first 250 attendees will receive a reusable bag filled with free products from the event’s vendors. The event will take place April 6 from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at Saratoga Independent School, located at 459 Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs.
Learn more about the event at www.saratogababyexpo.com or visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/saratogababyexpo.
