FUN FOR THE FAMILY
Kidz Expo has something for everyone
ALBANY, N.Y. >> One of the coldest days of winter was just right for staying indoors for endless hours of fun.
That’s what thousands of Capital Region children and their parents did Saturday during the 12th annual Hannaford Kidz Expo at Empire State Plaza.
Boys and girls met Star Wars characters, enjoyed theater performances, bounce rides and even tried their hand at golf taught by an area pro.
“This is dad-and-daughter day,” said John Eich of East Greenbush, who brought his 4-year-old, Taylor, to the event. “My wife is at Proctor’s Theater in Schenectady, seeing ‘Wicked.’ So we decided to come here.”
“I’m really amazed at the scale and size of this even and how family-oriented it is,” Eich said.
Hundreds of game, food and vendor booths were set up in the plaza’s Concourse, as well as the main Convention Center. In addition to entertainment, some displays provided helpful information about summer camps, health care, sports
clubs, dance studios and vacation planning.
Just about any activity kids like was represented in some fashion.
“I like to expose my son, Janell, to as much as possible,” said Micah Brenenstuhl of Hoosick Falls. “This is a great opportunity spend quality time with my son. I’ve only missed this once in the past five years. It’s a great thing for kids.”
Best of all, the event was entirely free. Kids also got to meet a real-life Elsa from the movie, “Frozen,” along with other characters such as the Mad Hatter from “Alice in Wonderland.”
There was also a performance of “Storybook Fun with Curious George,” based on the popular books by Margret and H.A. Rey. The interactive show featured songs, games and dancing.
Ronald McDonald was on hand, too, of course along with state police who provided children’s finger printing. Classes included Planetarium Adventures, Make a Comet, Roaming Railroad and Reptile Adventures.
Blake Walco and his brother, Logan, of Cohoes tried their hand at a race car track set up in the Concourse. Who knows? It might be just the inspiration needed to jump-start become a stock car driver.
The Expo opened kids’ eyes too all kinds of opportunities for fun in the Capital Region. David and Susan Petteys, of Wilton, brought their grandchildren, Braden and Kiley Quinn, who took turns trying to putt golf balls through a giant alligator’s wide open mouth.
“They love the bounce houses,” Susan Petteys said. “The thing I like best is seeing smiles on their faces. They enjoy everything.”