Inaugural Kids Expo set for Saturday

INVERNESS — Many parents have felt the frustration of trying to find something active and productive for their children to do.

At times, Lisa Haselkamp said it almost felt as if there were absolutely no activities geared toward children in the community.

But two local Girl Scout Cadettes who are earning their Silver Award decided to tackle a project that would showcase services, activities and events for children in Citrus County.

The inaugural Kids’ Expo will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, at the Citrus County Fairgrounds in Inverness.

There will be a number of booths for people to visit for all kinds of services, free drawings for door prizes, music, dance and karate exhibitions, many giveaways, food and much more.

Haselkamp, who serves as the pair’s Girl Scout Silver Award advisor, said the idea behind the expo is to allow different businesses and organizations to get the word out about what they offer to local children.

Though the event is a project, Haselkamp said it would not be a one-time event. As a requirement to receive the Silver Award, any project must be
sustainable.

Haselkamp said the girls are excited about seeing the expo unfold Saturday.

“They have done a wonderful job,” she said.

In the future, Haselkamp said they hope to form a consortium of individuals, businesses and organizations that serve children to keep the publicity going so people don’t forget to support these groups and activities.

“A lot of good things get started for children, but then they fall by the wayside,” she said.

In addition, Haselkamp said the girls wanted to craft a centralized, targeted location for information on events, activities and services to provide to parents and caregivers of children in Citrus County. Therefore, the project will host a website — www.citruscountykidsdirectory.com — to
provide all contact information about expo participants.

For additional information, email kidsexpo2012@yahoo.com or call 352-220-3788.

Chronicle reporter Shemir Wiles can be reached at 352-564-2924 or swiles@chronicleonline.com.