Children and Parents Find Benefit in the TMH’s Annual Fair

Photos by Navael Fontus
Elsa and Olaf greeted and took pictures with the excited kids at the family and baby fair.

Kids and parents clapped along with the music at the music therapy session.

By Navael Fontus
Outlook Writer

The sounds of young children laughing and playing were heard throughout the Turnbull Conference Center Saturday as the annual Baby and Family Fair got underway in Tallahassee.

The fair, presented by Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, is held annually for parents – from couples expecting for the first time to those who are veterans of parenthood.

This year, the fair focused on different factors of parenthood with educational breakout sessions. The sessions included: cooking with kids, using music as a therapy for children, and car seat inspections with the Leon County Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

Businesses and programs from all over the city of Tallahassee such as babysitters, pediatrics, healthcare providers, life insurance companies and non-profit organizations were in attendance each educating parents on the services available from their business.

“We want mothers and soon-to-be mothers to get a lot of education from these fairs,” said Kim Outlaw, nurse manager of the children’s center at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare.

“There are about 50 plus vendors here with different products and services available throughout the community. There are all types of different sources, free classes they can come out and participate in.”

The fair proved as entertaining for children as it was educational for their parents with the different amusement on hand. Kids were elated to see Curious George and the Man with the Yellow Hat who stopped and took pictures with the excited kids. Elsa and Olaf from the movie “Frozen” were also in attendance bringing big smiles across the faces of children who ran over to take pictures. Balloon figures, face painting and raffles for toys kept children busy as parents gained the information they needed.

“As a parent this is wonderful. You are finding out what organizations are out there, what programs exist, what you are eligible for, groups to be a part of and just educational information and a lot of it is empowering the parent,” said Morgan Evers a first-time mother. “You’re here with other moms and a lot of moms don’t have other moms to meet and mingle with, so it’s a great venue for both social and educational.”

In the parking garage, parents had a chance to make sure their children’s baby seats were properly secured and inspected for free courtesy of Leon County EMS.

“It’s good for him because he gets to see all the stuff for new babies,” Matt Thompson said referring to his son. “It gives us a lot more information on the new products that are out there for the kids as well.”