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Clown around at Kidz Expo
Posted on Thu, February 18th, 2010
Written by: Jennifer Farnsworth, Parent Pages Writer
email: cdparentpg@aol.com

Early March can be a drag in Upstate New York. The weather is usually chilly, and the kids are climbing the walls after spending the better part of winter inside. The Hannaford Kidz Expo offers a welcome distraction.

This annual family-friendly event is back with all the usual favorites, and this year organizers are adding some circus entertainment and a new band. The Expo is fun and entertaining for all ages – and even better – it’s free.

New this year will be a performance of Scholastic Books favorite “Jigsaw Jones: The Case of the Class Clown.”  This story about the class goofball and a young detective promises much music and laughter.

“We think this will be a favorite with school-age children,” said Heidi Goertz, spokeswoman for the event, which takes place Saturday, March 6, at the Empire State Plaza in downtown Albany.

Goertz said Kidz Expo is excited to offer the interactive show because it involves children in the solving of the mystery. Presented by ArtsPower, the production is based on the book by James Preller.

Also new to the Kidz Expo lineup is The Uncle Brothers, a children’s folk band that mixes humor and fun with every performance. Tommy Gardner and Danny Quinn, who make up the band, say their goal is to perform family-based shows that are upbeat and get people moving.

“You might say we are a cross between Jimmy Buffett and The Smothers Brothers,” said Gardner.
Gardner said the two are looking forward to their first year at the Expo. He said they typically design shows for children under 10, but added that it’s really entertaining for all ages.

“Whether singing, clapping or dancing along, it’s sure to be fun for kids,” said Gardner.
The Uncle Brothers perform in elementary schools, libraries, and town summer concerts and camps all across the state. Gardner said he is thrilled to play at a venue that typically draws in a crowd of up to 12,000 people. Find out more about the band at www.unclebrothers.com.

A third addition to Kidz Expo is Circus Theatricks. Clowns Seano and Shovah will provide an interactive show that include traditional clown humor – including juggling acts and physical humor. The show is called “What’s So Funny.”  Find out more about Seano and Shovah at www.circustheatricks.com.

Those looking to add a learning experience to the day can check out the “Make Every Day Earth Day” at the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s booth. It’s learning while having fun at an exhibit where kids can see rehabilitated wildlife from the Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in Delmar. Young explorers can check out animal skulls and skins, and even meet Smokey Bear.  From there, kids can venture to NYSERDA’s Energy Classroom, which will include hands-on activities and interactive games that will allow children to learn about their own carbon footprint.

The Expo will be held 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 6, at the Empire State Plaza. Locations will include the Convention Hall, The Egg Swyer Theater, Meeting Rooms 1-7, base of the Egg and North Concourse. More than 80 vendors will be on hand at this free event.

A Kidz Expo supplement included with this issue of Capital District Parent Pages has an exapanded list of vendors and a map. You can also pick up a copy at the Parent Pages booth.


You can contact cdparentpg@aol.com with any questions. Also, feel free to post comments below.


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