Areas & Events
Beautiful Baby Contest
Sponsored by The Free Lance-Star
It’s a new mom’s most treasured words, “What a beautiful baby!” Check out the main stage to see Fredericksburg ’s most beautiful babies and what makes each of them so special.
- Enter your baby (18 months and younger) at the Free Lance Star booth (23) from 10-11am.
- Finalists will be judged on the main stage at 12 noon.
- Winner will be featured in a future issue of the Free Lance Star!
Beautiful Baby Contest Rules
- Parent or guardian must fill out the registration form at the Free Lance Star booth.
- After the contestant is registered by a parent or guardian, a photo of the baby will be taken.
- Judges will review the photos and select finalists.
- Finalists will be judged by a panel on the Main Stage.
- Finalists must be available for judging at the Main Stage at 12 noon. In the event that a finalist is not available, another finalist may be selected.
- Judging will be conducted fairly with no discrimination toward gender, age or race.
- Judges’ decisions are final.
Book Sale
Reading not only builds special relationships with your children, but also opens their imaginations and helps propel them into a lifetime love of books. Get a head-start on new reading material at the Expo book sale. At least 10% of proceeds from today’s book sale will benefit Read Aloud Virginia, a non-profit educational literacy organization.
Changing Station
Navigating the bathroom just to change a diaper can be quite a task. Instead, stop by the changing station. You’ll find easy access and a safe environment to make that quick change.
Cheryl Lage: "Twinspiration"
- Curious about what life is like with twin infants in-house?
- Are you expecting two?
- A new twin parent?
- Wondering what efficiency tips used by moms with multiples might work well in your household?
- Need a laugh?
Join Cheryl Lage, author of the popular new book, Twinspiration: Real-Life Advice from Pregnancy through the First Year, for readings, Q&A and lively discussion on topics twin-related and beyond.
BOOK SYNOPSIS: A hybrid of prescriptive “how-to” guidebook and intimate diary, Twinspiration: Real-Life Advice from Pregnancy through the First Year, recounts with unabashed personal detail the tribulations and triumphs of a twin pregnancy and first year of life with twins. Incorporating a conversational, lighthearted, humorous tone throughout, the book supplies a double dose of user-friendly suggestions, real-life advice, and heartfelt empathy.
Diaper Dash
Sponsored by Babies “R” Us
On your mark…get set…crawl!
Watch as these little athletes put their amazing speed on all fours to good use! Races are for crawling babies and will be held at 11am, 1pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm. Register your child at the Babies “R” Us booth.
Diaper Dash Race Rules
- The race is open to children between the ages of 6 months and 14 months.
- The children must crawl from the start line to the finish line.
- Once the child has passed the start line, the parent may not touch the child until the child passes the finish line. This is grounds for disqualification.
- The parent may entice the child towards the finish line by calling out to them, showing a favorite toy, or showing food or drink (as long as the food or drink is in an unopened container.)
- If the child stands up during the race, they are automatically disqualified.
Expectant Mother’s Lounge
Expect a little pampering! Moms-to-be can stop by the Expectant Mother’s Lounge for a bit of R & R.
- Rest in glider chairs
- Mini-massages
- Health and wellness tips and info
Informational Sessions
Learning to navigate the world of parenting just got a little easier. Spend some time with our main stage presenters who will provide the useful tips and information for parents and parents-to-be.
- Mary Washington Hosptal
Magic Act by Michael Taggert
Michael will bring his Family presentation of magic filled with Fun and mystery for all ages. In the show Michael asks that you don’t try to believe that what he does is real but that it could be real. His show is filled with comedy and audience participation that will make kids and grown kids alike laugh. His show includes his famous Booger trick and the illusion something for nothing. he will be "teaching" a young magician from the audience a magic routine that ends In a surprise for the entire audience.
Maternity Fashion Show
Sponsored by: It's Hip to Be Round
The term “maternity clothes” used to be an oxymoron, but no longer! Moms-to-be these days have tons of options that are stylish, fashionable and best of all, COMFORTABLE! Maternity clothes now offer moms-to-be the chance to reflect their “real life” style that can be worn early, late and even after the baby comes. Check out the runway for the latest in casual wear, work styles as well as dressy outfits for holidays and special events.
Mommy-To-Be-Makeover
Sponsored by: It's Hip to Be Round, Portrait Excellence by Beverly, Mary Kay
Who knew being pregnant could look – and feel – this good? These Mommies-to-be are about to find out. Join our special winner throughout the day as she discovers a whole new look for her most important nine months.
- 10:30am: Part 1—hair cut and style
- 11:30am: Part 2— skin care and make-up
- 12:30pm: Part 3—fashion tips and wardrobe by It’s Hip to Be Round (booth 5/6)
- 1:30pm: Part 4—photo session by Portrait Excellence by Beverly (booth 25/26)
Nursing Mother’s Lounge
The Nursing Mother’s Lounge is just the place for mom’s looking for a quiet place to feed their baby. Comfy and supportive chairs will make this special bonding time perfect, even though you’re away from home. Whether it’s breast or bottle, feel free to enjoy.
Obstacle Course
Kids ages 6 to 12 will enjoy being challenged in speed, footwork, agility, coordination, strength and aim as they run through a hoola hoop speed ladder, jump through a cone mine field, roll, crab walk, sprint, dive, dribble, and shoot their way to the finish line. They won't even know they are exercising!
Story Time with Children's Author Marcia Silvermetz
In a story about fitting in and acceptance, Gertrude the Albino Frog that special, forever friends come in all shapes and sizes. She and her community see first hand what it means to pull together as a group and to value each other as individuals.
This story encourages readers to experience the ups and downs of friendship, diversity and tolerance.
Marcia Silvermetz is a children's author and the author of Gertrude the Albino Frog and her Friend Rupert the Turtle, published by Hiccup Cottage Publications. She has a BA in Psychology/Bio and M.Ed. in Sports Medicine.
Dad's Lounge
Sponsored by Fredericksburg Parent Magazine
Dad’s deserve love too! For the man of the house, we offer a chance to indulge in some games and fun at the Dad’s Lounge. It’s the perfect spot for the guys to enjoy their own place at the expo.
