With its largest turnout ever, the popular All Kids Fair, founded by East Hills resident Barbara Kaplan, returned to the Melville Marriott for the fifth straight year on Sunday, April 26. This event, which won first place in the Event Category of the 2014 Long Island Web Awards, was a combination of education and activities expo and health and wellness fair. It offered entertainment choices for toddlers through high school, including kids who are gifted or have special needs.
The fair had several guest appearances. Chef AJ, age 11, of Fox TV’s MasterChef Junior Season 3 did a cooking demonstration before a packed room, featuring Belgian waffles, including a whipped cream challenge. Other appearances included QuackerJack of the Long Island Ducks, a juggler from the Big Apple Circus, and beauty queen Amy Marchany. Over 80 exhibitor spaces and 24 kids’ classes provided valuable information for kids and their parents and grandparents.
“The 2015 All Kids Fair was very well-attended, and we are getting great feedback from our attendees, exhibitors and speakers,” said Kaplan. It was a really fun day.”
Exhibitors promoted schools, camps, after school activities, birthday parties, photographers, kids’ products, college planning, and health and wellness services. Some of the classes children and their families enjoyed included tap and ballet, cupcake decorating, hula hooping, crafts, robotics, book readings, music, and GaGa. Free valet parking was very popular with the attendees.
The INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network) collected 100 pounds of food plus funds to continue to help Long Islanders in need.
“The vast amount of vendors was unbelievable, each one connecting not only with the kids but also the parents,” said Dr. Ralph Allocco. “This event was very special for everyone.”
