Vancouver Island Baby Fair

Now Blogging on Today's Parent

2010-02-06T11:58:00.000-08:00

Vancouver Island Baby Fair producer Shirley Broback is now a featured blogger over at Today's Parent online. In recognition of her 2009 SavvyMom Entrepreneur of the Year award, Shirley is now sharing the "ins and outs of balancing business and parenthood" with readers of Today's Parent in the blog "Musings From a Mom Entrepreneur."

In her latest post, Shirley tackles the politics of Valentines Day in kindergarten... should your kid be forced to give a valentine to every kid in the class, even if she doesn't like some of them? Should he only give one to one or two special friends? Do you support the idea of Valentines Day at all? Read Shirley's latest post, and be sure to leave a comment!

Wanted: Nanaimo Baby/Child Photographer

2010-01-11T22:24:00.000-08:00

The Photo Contest is always one of the most popular features at the Vancouver Island Baby Fair, with hundreds of new parents lining up to have a professional portrait taken of their little one for just $10 - which goes 100% to a local charity. We're looking for a photographer who is up to the task to run the photo contest at our upcoming event in Nanaimo on June 5 & 6.

We'll be conducting interviews later this month in Nanaimo. If you're a photographer in the Nanaimo area, or know someone who might be interested, please contact us ASAP for details. To learn more about the photo contest, visit the photo contest page.

Supporting Foster Parents on Vancouver Island

2009-12-17T21:17:00.000-08:00

Earlier today we were proud to present a cheque for $2450 to the Foster Parent Support Services Society - money we fundraised at the last Vancouver Island Baby Fair in Victoria though the Photo Contest, stroller parking, and face painting.

In addition, we provided the FPSSS with booth space at the fair to promote their organization and put the call out for more foster families. We provided logo placement in our marketing materials, the opportunity to speak on our main stage to attendees at the fair and further exposure through our website & e-Newsletters. Supporting local community initiatives is a very important aspect of the Vancouver Island Baby Fair and to our family. Thank you to those who come to the fair and make it all possible!

Foster Parent Support Services Society is a non-profit organization that is committed to providing meaningful and accessible support, education, and networking services for the foster parents of the Vancouver Island Region, which will continually enhance their skills and abilities to deliver the best care possible to the children in their homes.

Do you have room for one more? If so, please contact them today to find out how you can make a difference in the life of a child!

Pictured: Shirley Broback (middle) presenting FPSSS Executive Director Margaret Howley (left) and Lisa Argue with a cheque.

2010 Baby Fairs Open for General Registration

2009-12-10T21:20:00.000-08:00

Registration is now open for the next Vancouver Island Baby Fair in Nanaimo, June 5 & 6, 2010 and in Victoria, Sept. 25 & 26, 2010.

All applications received by Dec. 31, 2009 will receive a 10% Early Bird Discount.
For more information, including downloadable application forms and floor plans for both shows are available on the Vancouver Island Baby Fair Exhibitor's page.

Looking for thoughts on postpartum depression resources

2009-12-06T08:16:00.000-08:00

We are doing a little preliminary research on postpartum depression resources on Vancouver Island and postpartum depression in general, and looking for women to share their ideas with us.
If you can, please share with us the following:
1) Did you have post partum depression? how did you know? For how long?
2) Did you get help? Why or why not?
3) Who referred you to help? Doc, midwife, public health nurse, friend?
4) What kind of help did you get? Counseling, meds, postpartum doula, group, etc...?
5) Might some of your postpartum depression have been prevented somewhat or entirely? If so, how?
6) What kind of resources helped & what type of resources do you wish existed?
7) Where have you received any info on postpartum depression? Public Health nurse, doctor, midwife, friends, websites?

If you are not from Vancouver Island and you know of some great postpartum depression resources, please share with us!

Please send responses privately by email and feel free to elaborate on these questions if you have more to share. Thank you!

Baby Fair Open for Registration

2009-11-29T21:58:00.000-08:00

Registration is now open for the next Vancouver Island Baby Fair in Nanaimo, June 5 & 6, 2010 and in Victoria, Sept. 25 & 26, 2010. Registration for exhibitors who took part in our last Nanaimo and Victoria events is open now, and general registration begins Dec. 10.

All applications received by Dec. 31, 2009 will receive a 10% Early Bird Discount.
For more information, including downloadable application forms and floor plans for both shows are available on the Vancouver Island Baby Fair Exhibitor's page.

Baby Fair Photo Contest Winners

2009-11-01T20:19:00.001-08:00

We are so happy to announce the winners of this year's Vancouver Island Baby Fair Photo Contest that took place Sept. 26 & 27, 2009! Huge congratulations to the families of Joel and Turquoise!

Joel was just two months old when this adorable pic was snapped. He will appear on the cover of an issue of Island Parent Magazine in 2010, and become the poster child for the 2010 Baby Fair in Victoria. Joel's family also wins a Haba Bean Bag Chair "Bert" ($230 value) from Bellies in Bloom Maternity, and a 2 hour studio session with Rebecca Joy Studios, one 8x10 print, two 5x7 prints, and 30 custom holiday or birth announcement cards (Value: $400).

In the 2-6 year old category, 2-year-old Turquoise is the winner. Her family wins a Radio Flyer Wagon from Bubba Loo Children's Boutique, and a 2 hour studio session with Rebecca Joy Studios, one 8x10 print, two 5x7 prints, and 30 custom holiday or birth announcement cards (Value: $400).

Thank you to everyone who entered! Your $10 donation helped us raise more than $2400 for Foster Parents Support Services Society. The free 5x7 print of your photo shoot is available for pickup at Jamtots Baby & More Store until November 30.

Congratulations to Joel, Turquoise, and their families! The next Vancouver Island Baby Fair Photo Contest will be held in Nanaimo on June 5 & 6, 2010.

Baby Fair Photos ready for pickup

2009-10-31T08:30:00.000-07:00

Photo Contest Photos from the Vancouver Island Baby Fair are ready!

Anyone who participated in the Photo Contest at the Baby Fair on Sept. 26 & 27 can pick up their free 5x7 prints at JamTots Baby & More Store at 748 Goldstream Ave. until November 30th.

We raised $2415 for charity! 100% of the photo contest money, plus donations for stroller parking and face painting, goes to the Foster Parents Support Services Society to support them in their services.
The Foster Parents Support Services Society is a grassroots, CARF Accredited, non-profit organization that is committed to providing meaningful and accessible support, education, and networking services for the foster parents of the Vancouver Island Region, which will continually enhance their skills and abilities to deliver the best care possible to the children in their homes.

Thank you for your support!

Enterprising Moms Network Launch

2009-10-18T09:43:00.000-07:00

Vancouver Island Baby Fair producer Shirley Broback will be the featured speaker at the launch event for the new Victoria chapter of the Enterprising Moms Network taking place at the Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour this Wednesday, October 21 from 7-9pm. The network offers an informative and supportive place that women looking to build a business while raising a family can come and connect with each other. The evening promises to deliver with keynote speaker Shirley Broback, the woman behind the Vancouver Island Baby Fair and voted "2009 Mom Entrepreneur of the Year" by SavvyMom.ca. For more information about the launch, visit www.enterprisingmomsnetwork.com.

WHO: Enterprising Moms Network presents keynote speaker Shirley Broback
WHEN: Wednesday October 21, 2009
TIME: 7:00PM to 9:00PM
LOCATION: Marriott Victoria Inner Harbour, Victoria, BC (728 Humboldt Street)
REGISTER: Online Registration - Admission is free, but please register as space will fill up fast.

About Enterprising Moms Network
Enterprising Moms Network (EMN) is an ever expanding network of mom entrepreneurs who are dedicated to helping one another succeed in the always tricky balancing act of being a mother and an entrepreneur. As a diverse group of women with different talents, skills, and ideas, EMN is a great place for women to connect with one another who, although like-minded, have a wide breadth of experience, education and skills.
For more information about the Enterprising Moms Network (EMN) visit: www.enterprisingmomsnetwork.com
or contact Tara-Lee Gibson, Director of the Victoria EMN Chapter.

Photo Contest preview!

2009-10-07T11:41:00.000-07:00

We beat our record this year with 235 babies, toddlers, and preschoolers entering into the Vancouver Island Baby Fair Photo Contest on Sept. 26 & 27. Our photographer, Rebecca Joy Studios, has posted the proofs on a special Baby Fair gallery page. Take a look at all the cuties!

For those who entered the contest, your prints will be available for pick up later this month. You will receive an email when they are ready.
Winners of the 0-24 months and 2-6 year age categories will be posted by November 1st!

100% of the proceeds from the photo contest are going to support the Foster Parent Support Services Society this year. The FPSSS is a grassroots, CARF Accredited, non-profit organization that is committed to providing meaningful and accessible support, education, and networking services for the foster parents of the Vancouver Island Region, which will continually enhance their skills and abilities to deliver the best care possible to the children in their homes.

Breastfeeding Challenge is on Saturday

2009-10-02T10:37:00.000-07:00

Ready, set, Latch!
This Saturday, Oct. 3, mothers and babies will gather at SilverCity Victoria at Tillicum Centre to take part in a global breastfeeding event. The goal is to set the world record for most babies breastfeeding at one time. The purpose of the event is to raise awareness for the importance of breastfeeding.

9th Annual Quintessence Breastfeeding Challenge
SilverCity Victoria at Tillicum Centre
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Doors Open 10 am

Hosted by 'A' News' Maggie Cox, special guests include Chief Medical Health Officer Richard Stanwick, Eva Bild of the Mothering Touch Centre and Layla Cochrane of Baby Signs. Admission is free. There will be a toddler play area and special "Mompreneur and Savvy Mamas" displays of local products and services in the lobby.

New for 2009: online registration - skip the line, save time and register online today! For more Victoria specific details, visit www.breastfeedingmatters.ca

The Vancouver Island Baby Fair is a proud sponsor of the Breastfeeding Challenge. We will be doing a prize giveaway at our table at the event. Stop by for your chance to win:

CD from Bobs and Lolo

Glamourmom nursing tank and a pair of Posh Pads organic cotton/bamboo nursing pads from Bellies In Bloom Maternity

Infant bib & burp cloth from Creedation Wear

Rocking horse from JamTots Baby & More Store

Baby Fair Grand Prize Winners Announced

2009-09-29T13:59:00.000-07:00

Thank you to the thousands of attendees who visited the Vancouver Island Baby Fair this past weekend in Victoria! We had a blast, and once again it was a big success! We are excited to announce the two Grand Prize winners:

New Parent Grand Prize ($1387 value) winner - Tyler Hall of Victoria
Parent & Tot Grand Prize ($1376 value) winner - Desiree Shearer of Victoria
Have a look at the list of amazing prizes they won.

Congratulations Tyler and Desiree!

To be the first to know who won our photo contest, be sure to sign up for our e-Newsletter. In the meantime, have a look at the preview of some of our cute contestants on Rebecca Joy Studios' blog.

Baby Fair is on again today

2009-09-27T08:26:00.001-07:00

We had an amazing day on Saturday at the Vancouver Island Baby Fair! Thousands of moms, dads, grandparents, kids, and of course, babies! We're open from 10am-4pm again today at Pearkes Rec Centre. We've been photo blogging from the event this year - take a look at some of the pictures we posted, and check back to the page today for more.

Baby Races at 11am, Bobs & Lolo performances at 12pm and 2pm, the Photo Contest runs all day, and over 100 exhibitors with great shopping and resources for your growing family!

Rebecca Joy Studios, the fantastic studio running the Photo Contest, has posted some preview shots from Saturday. They're really great!

Baby Fair is on now!

2009-09-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

Come join us down at Pearkes Rec Centre! The Vancouver Island Baby Fair is on this weekend only - Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday from 10am-4pm. Here's some tips we sent out in our e-Newsletter the other day:

Main stage: There will be speakers and entertainment at the main stage throughout the weekend. Baby Races are at 11am each day (registration begins at 10:30am), kids music at 12pm and 2pm each day, and lots of great info from the experts the rest of the day. Get the full schedule here.

Diaper changing: We have a space for you to change your little one's bum right in the middle of the fair. We even provide diapers and wipes!

Baby Feeding: The "Baby Bistro" will be open all weekend for moms who need to nurse or feed their little ones. Comfy couches, a water cooler, and some relax time with other moms. There's a bottle warmer over in the cafe if you need it too. (By the way... at the cafe you can get sandwiches, muffins, juice and coffee on the go!)

Admission: $6/person. Add $1 to make it a weekend pass. Kids 12 and under are FREE. We accept CASH ONLY at the door. Inside the fair, many exhibitors will accept debit or credit cards at their booths, but many will also be cash only. There is a cash machine in the lobby of Pearkes Rec Centre, but the ATM company charges a fee to use it, so consider stopping at your own ATM on the way to the Fair.

Prizes: Oh, yes... there will be LOTS of prizes! We have a Grand Prize draw at the door for your choice of two gift baskets filled with more than $1300 in prizes from Baby Fair exhibitors. Plus the winner of the Baby Races will take home more than $300 in prizes. Check out the full list of prizes.

Photo Contest: A lot of people ask us what we look for when judging the photos that come out of the Photo Contest. Since all the babies and preschoolers are super cute, we find we are looking to capture a cute expression.

Some tips for the photo contest: Bring your child early and register. The entire $10 fee goes to charity (this year it's the Foster Parent Support Services Society). You will receive a number and you can check the board to see what number is currently being photographed - plan for about 5 minutes per shoot - that will tell you how long the wait is until your turn. While you wait, you can enjoy all that the Baby Fair has to offer and return to the contest booth at least 5 minutes before your turn to get registered. After the fair, you will be able to pick up your free 5x7 at JamTots Baby & More Store. We'll announce when they are ready for pickup in our e-Newsletter.

Some tips for dress from the photo contest photographer, Rebecca Joy Studios:
1. Colour is a good thing! Kids look great in fun vibrant colours. Avoid white.
2. Stay clear of logos, writing, or pictures on the clothing.
3. Layer! Mix it up and layer, such as skirts with fun tights or leggings. Shirts with cute jackets or sweaters with hoodies. Layer different textures such as chunky knits, corduroy and denim.
4. Most importantly, I suggest that you dress your child in clothes that they feel comfortable in. Have fun!

If you really want to do your homework and get to know what we're looking for, browse through our gallery of past winners and other Baby Fair faces.

See you at the Fair!

Baby Fair named Canada's Top Mom Entrepreneur!

2009-09-23T09:23:00.000-07:00

We just got some AMAZING NEWS! Shirley Broback, producer of this weekend's Vancouver Island Baby Fair, has just been named the SavvyMom Mom Entrepreneur of the Year! Here's the press release going out to the local media today:

Vancouver Island Baby Fair Steals the Show - Named Canada's Top Mom Entrepreneur in the SavvyMom Mom Entrepreneur of the Year Award

For Immediate Release
September 23, 2009

VICTORIA, BC - Shirley Broback, the producer of this weekend's Vancouver Island Baby Fair, has just been honoured with the 2009 SavvyMom Mom Entrepreneur of the Year award. Broback was chosen out of 317 nominees from across Canada in the contest run by SavvyMom Media (www.savvymom.ca).

"Winning the SavvyMom Entrepreneur of the Year award is such a fantastic opportunity," says Broback. "I’m looking forward to streamlining some of our processes, hiring some much needed help, and gearing up to expand our event even more."

She found that participating in the SavvyMom Entrepreneur of the Year Award was a great reason to reach out to all of her contacts - suppliers, clients, friends and family alike - which helped grow awareness of her business in the critical time leading up to the 2009 show, which happens this weekend, September 26 & 27 at Pearkes Recreation Centre in Victoria. Since its inception in 2007, the Vancouver Island Baby Fair has grown to include an event in Nanaimo and Victoria each year, with the aim to "celebrate the growing family" by bringing together shopping, resources and entertainment for families ranging from pregnancy through preschool.

"Our event benefits not only women and their families who visit the fair gathering valuable resources and who are celebrating this fantastic transition in their lives, but it also provides a unique marketing opportunity to the businesses and organizations that participate, many run by other mom entrepreneurs," Broback said.

Recognizing moms' united desire to find balance in their hectic lives and provide what is best for their families, the SavvyMom Mom Entrepreneur of the Year Award celebrates moms' ability to take matters into their own hands. "Each one of the nominees has successfully developed a product or service that fills a need in the marketplace - and despite the economic challenges of the past year, we didn't see a drop in the number of nominees. The mom entrepreneur movement is still going strong," says Sarah Morgenstern, co-founder of SavvyMom Media.

SavvyMom Media is the trusted resource for time-crunched moms across Canada, delivering tried and tested practical solutions to everyday dilemmas. SavvyMom's bi-weekly email newsletter reaches 35,000 moms across Canada. More information on SavvyMom Media and its subsidiary programs can be found at www.savvymom.ca and www.momentrepreneuraward.com.

Media Contacts:
Shirley Broback, Baby Fair Producer: 250-686-5693 shirley@vancouverislandbabyfair.com
Minnow Hamilton, SavvyMom Media: 416-418-6261 minnow.hamilton@savvymom.ca

Baby Fair Grand Prizes

2009-09-22T15:23:00.000-07:00

The Vancouver Island Baby Fair is coming up this weekend, and on top of more than 100 exhibitors, amazing children's performers, an on-site photo contest, baby races, and so much more, we've got thousands of dollars worth of great prizes to give away! There are two door prizes worth more than $1000 each, a grand prize each day for the Baby Races worth more than $300 each, great prizes at the photo contest, plus many exhibitors have prize draws planned for their booths!
Check out these Grand Prizes we've got lined up:

NEW PARENT GRAND PRIZE - Value $1387

Adventures in Mulberryland - "Baby Bump" original art by Naomi teWinkel $180

Awesome Mommies - "My Mom's an Awesome Mommy" onesie, 1 yr membership to Awesome Mommies, Gift Cert for Awesome Yoga, Gift Cert for Cafe $65

Bellies In Bloom Maternity - Belly Casting Kit $50

Cosy Baby Happy Mommy - Panel wrap $65

Creative Exposure Photography - Maternity or Baby Portrait sitting $195

Creative Memories - Gift Certificate for scrapbooking products & reusable grocery bag $100

Dress Me Up Organic - Newest Born Gift Set & Organic Rabbit Rattle $62

Elements of Health Centre - Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment (60 min.) $95

Elizabeth Belfry, RMT - Gift Certificate for 45 min massage OR $75 towards infant massage lessons $75

Huckleberry Baby Shop - Gift Certificate $50

JamTots Baby & More Store - Gift Certificate $50

Li'l Sweet Nancy's - Gift Certificate $100

Mothering Touch Centre - Punch Card for Pre & Postnatal Classes $100

Munchkin Molds - Gift Certificate for a pair of baby hand and/or foot stone castings $80

Swift Kick Computers - Gift Certificate $50

The Good Planet Baby Company - "Tree hugger in training" onesie, Good Planet Baby calming baby lotion, massage oil, baby wash, room spray, soap $70

PARENT & TOT GRAND PRIZE - Value $1376

Awesome Mommies - "My Mom's an Awesome Mommy" onesie, 1 yr membership to Awesome Mommies, Gift Cert for Awesome Yoga, Gift Cert for Cafe $65

Bealoo Kids - 16x20 Canvas Reproduction of "ABC's" $75

Booties In A Box - Monkey design leather baby shoes $25

Bubba Loo Children's Boutique - Gift Certificate $50

Elements of Health Centre - 45 min RMT massage $60

Heather Armstrong Photography - Portrait sitting in your home or on location, includes $200 print credit $350

JamTots Baby & More Store - Gift Certificate $50

Li'l Sweet Nancy's - Gift Certificate $100

Lovey's Body Products - 2 bottles of Lovey's Tushi Wash, 3 100% organic bamboo washcloths, 2 rolls bio-degradable disposable wipes $50

Mommys Yelling Girl - One set of hair accessories per month for 1 yr $100

Mothering Touch Centre - Punch Card for Pre & Postnatal Classes $100

Norwex Enviro Products - Healthy Home Package: Enviro cloth, Window cloth, Dusting Mitt, Kitchen tea towels, Spirinetts, Ultra Plus Laundry Detergent $101

O'Baby Organics - Happy Green Bee gift pack $100

Swift Kick Computers - Gift Certificate $50

Treasured Memories Scrapbooking - Gift Certificate $100

In the Baby Races, taking place at 11am both Saturday and Sunday, little crawlers will race in heats of up to 5 babies, and the winner of each heat will win a Bobs & Lolo CD, and advance to the final round, where the winner takes home one of these great prizes:

BABY RACES GRAND PRIZE (Saturday) Value $305

Bealoo Kids - 3 matted prints: Jungle Animals $50

Elizabeth Belfry RMT - Gift Certificate for 45 min massage OR $75 towards infant massage lessons $75

Mothering Touch Centre - Little Toes Shoe, Tee Knees knee pads $50

Norwex Enviro Products - Healthy Baby Bath Package: 3 face cloths, Microfibre Bath Matt/Change Pad, Bath Glove $60

Tiny Giggles - Warm Buddy Sheep $30

Toad In A Tree - Baby Sling $40

BABY RACES GRAND PRIZE (Sunday) Value $322

Cosy Baby Happy Mommy - Panel wrap 'flame' print on black $65

Lovey's Body Products - 2 bottles of Lovey's Tushi Wash, 3 100% organic bamboo washcloths, 2 rolls bio-degradable disposable wipes $50

Norwex Enviro Products - Healthy Baby Bath Package: 3 face cloths, Microfibre Bath Matt/Change Pad, Bath Glove $60

Tiny Giggles - Found in the Pumpkin Patch organic cotton onesie $20

Toad In A Tree - Adjustable hat $27

West Coast Baby Slings & Things - West Coast Sling System for colder weather $100

Baby Fair prize giveaway on 'A' News

2009-09-15T09:37:00.000-07:00

(Updated: Prize giveaways have been moved to Friday, Monday and Tuesday)
Hundreds of dollars worth of prizes from Vancouver Island Baby Fair exhibitors will be given away during 'A' News this week! Watch 'A' News at 5pm and 6pm on Friday (Sept. 18), Monday (Sept. 21), and Tuesday (Sept. 22) for your chance to win one of these prize packages worth $425 each:

> 4-pack of weekend passes to the Vancouver Island Baby Fair ($28 value)
> Nannies On Call - 3 hours nanny service ($54 value)
> Mommys-Yelling-Girl - 3 No Slip Clips ($25 value)
> Natures Grace Organics - Cuskiboo Bonding Comfort Aid ($39.99 value)
> Lovey's Body Products - Lovey's Tushi Wash & 100% bamboo organic washcloths ($25 value)
> Creative Memories - 2 mini-picfolio albums in gift box & demo CD of digital solutions programs ($35 value)
> Elements of Health Centre - Course in Acupressure for Labour for a couple ($40 value)
> Elizabeth Belfry, RMT - 30-min. massage or infant massage lessons ($60 value)
> Adventures in Mulberryland - 11x14 matted whimsical art print and 3 art cards ($29 value)
> Munchkin Molds - Single hand or foot casting ($50 value)
> Aniceto & Bigg - Identakey complete system ($39.99 value)

Baby Fair interview on CFAX Sunday!

2009-09-12T17:08:00.001-07:00

Vancouver Island Baby Fair producer Shirley Broback will be the guest on Real Parenting this Sunday! Be sure to listen to host Amy Bronee from 3-4pm on CFAX 1070. She'll talk to Shirley about the upcoming Baby Fair, coming up Sept. 26 & 27 at Pearkes Rec Centre in Victoria, plus talk about being a Mom Entrepreneur.

Shirley is nominated for the SavvyMom Entrepreneur of the Year award, and online voting ends Sunday at 9pm PST. She's in the lead right now, and needs your help. Please visit Shirley's nomination page and vote, vote, vote!

Final Pre-Baby Fair event: Saturday, Sept. 12

2009-09-09T14:57:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, Vancouver Island Baby Fair producer Shirley Broback will be out at the last in a series of special events leading up to the Baby Fair on Sept. 26 & 27. Shirley will be at Sprouts Children's Boutique on Saturday from 12-2pm. For these two hours only, advance tickets will be available to "buy 3 - get 1 free", plus Sprouts is putting the entire store on an extra 10% off on in-stock items (including sale items already marked down 50-70% off!). In addition, everyone who places an order for a Bumbleride stroller during the event will get a free snackpack.

We'll also be promoting Shirley's SavvyMom Entrepreneur of the Year award nomination and campaigning for votes! Online voting ends this Sunday, Sept. 13, so please vote now!

There will be treats, refreshments, balloons and face painting for the kids too! AND on top of it all, visitors can also enter our draw for $25 Sprouts Gift Certificate!

Hope to see you at Sprouts, 202-536 Herald St. in Downtown Victoria, on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 12-2pm!

Pre-Baby Fair event Tuesday at Mothering Touch Centre

2009-09-06T11:38:00.000-07:00

Come visit us at Mothering Touch Centre (975 Fort St.) this Tuesday, Sept 8th from 1-3pm for our pre-Baby Fair mini event! We'll be there promoting the Vancouver Island Baby Fair with tix on sale for $5 each or buy three-get one free! (Weekend Passes are regularly $7 at the door)

We'll also be promoting Baby Fair producer Shirley Broback's Savvy Mom nomination and campaigning for votes! Click here to vote now.

There will be treats, refreshments, balloons and face painting for the kids too! AND on top of it all, Mothering Touch Centre is putting EVERY THING IN THE ENTIRE STORE 20% off, ONLY during the time we are there, from 1-3pm.
Visitors can also enter to win a 3 pack of baby legs!

Hope to see you there on Tuesday from 1-3pm at Mothering Touch Centre!

Special Pre-Baby Fair event this Saturday

2009-09-02T10:09:00.000-07:00

Come to JamTots Baby & More Store this Saturday, September 5th for their pre-Baby Fair mini event!
From 12-2pm only, Shirley Broback, Producer of the Vancouver Island Baby Fair will be there promoting the Baby Fair and her Savvy Mom Entrepreneur of the Year nomination.

During this time only, advance Weekend Passes for the fair will be on sale: Buy three and get one free. (And they are only $5 each when purchased in advance in the first place!)
All regular priced diapers are 20% off and all Stonz Infant & Toddler Booties and Stonz Linerz are 20% off as well.

While you're there, be sure to enter to win a Baby Ganz Frog Security Blanket and a Frog Family Pull Toy! We'll have snacks & refreshments, balloons, and face painting too! And please don't forget to vote for Shirley Broback as Savvy Mom Entrepreneur of the Year!

All these special offers are only from 12-2pm only on Saturday, Sept. 5th at JamTots Baby & More Store, 748 Goldstream Ave.

Hope to see you there!

Baby Fair featured on UrbanMommies.com

2009-08-31T14:46:00.000-07:00

The Vancouver Island Baby Fair has been featured on UrbanMommies.com! This post is copied from their feature. The original post is here.

Picture this: Victoria in September. Leaves falling on the Empress; late summer flowers making their final show; parliamentiarians bustling about... and thousands of moms and babies descending upon the Pearkes Recreation Centre to attend the annual Vancouver Island Baby Fair. Bobs and Lolo will sing and dance, and so many photos of babies will be snapped that you might think that there is paparazzi in the room... oh yes, and Urban Mommies will be there with bells on (or very cool give-aways anyway).

Vancouver Island Baby Fair creator and producer Shirley Broback has been hard at work on the show, and has been nominated for the SavvyMom Entrepreneur of the Year award. With a grand prize worth $15,500 in prizes, we'd love to help her along! Shirley works hard all year long to create a fantastic event that celebrates the growing families on Vancouver Island, and provides a great marketing opportunity for businesses like Urban Mommies. Please visit Shirley's nomination page and vote.

www.vancouverislandbabyfair.com
$6 per person, Children 12 and under are free
Saturday, Sept. 26/09: 10am-5pm
Sunday, Sept. 27/09: 10am-4pm
Pearkes Recreation Centre
3100 Tillicum Road

Pre-Baby Fair Event: Saturday, Aug.29

2009-08-28T18:55:00.000-07:00

Come see us on location at our Pre-fair Mini-Events!
What are we doing? Promoting the upcoming Vancouver Island Baby Fair, as well as Baby Fair creator and producer Shirley Broback's Savvy Mom Entrepreneur of the Year nomination. Vote! Vote! Vote!

We'll be offering special deals: Weekend passes for the Vancouver Island Baby Fair (Buy three, get one free!), doing face painting, and serving up special treats, refreshments & balloons. You'll also find special discounts on store products only during the hours that we are there... and you can enter to win fab prizes!

Saturday, August 29th - 1pm-4pm
Bellies In Bloom Maternity Store - #104-4489 Viewmont Ave. (Royal Oak Shopping Centre)
You can enter to win a beautiful Smart Mom Teething necklace, plus all of Bellies In Bloom's new See Kai Run shoes are 25% OFF for this limited time only! Don't miss out!

Other Upcoming In-Store Events:
Saturday, Sept 5th - 12pm-2pm
JamTots Baby & More Store - 748 Goldstream Ave.

Tuesday Sept 8th - 1pm-3pm
Mothering Touch Centre - 975 Fort St.

Saturday Sept 12th - 12pm-2pm
Sprouts Children's Boutique - 202-536 Herald St.

For details on the discounts and prizes at these other pre-fair mini-events, join us on Facebook or Twitter, or subscribe to this news feed.

Baby Fair Main Stage Lineup

2009-08-27T07:33:00.000-07:00

The full main stage lineup has been announced for the upcoming Vancouver Island Baby Fair. Enjoy this unique opportunity to see several parenting professionals & great children's entertainment all under one roof! We are so excited to announce our headline children's performers: The Kerplunks on Saturday, September 26 and Bobs and Lolo on Sunday, September 27!
All speakers and performances are included with the price of admission to the Vancouver Island Baby Fair.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 26 MAIN STAGE BIOS:

The Kerplunks
12:00pm and 2:00pm
Called "Canada's hippest new children's entertainers," The Kerplunks play catchy tunes guaranteed to get kids engaged, singing along, and joining in on the actions. They'll have kids of all ages groovin' to the music!

This four-piece band has won many awards including the 2008 Western Canadian Music Award for Outstanding Children's Recording, and 2008 Canadian Folk Music Award for Children's Album of the Year, and was nominated for a Juno in 2009! The Kerplunks will feature songs from their brand new album, "Walk On," and their debut self-titled CD.

Eva Bild
1:00pm - Brilliant Babies: How our babies can teach us to breastfeed - if only we listen!
Human babies are born with a whole repertoire of reflexes which help them to get to the breast and feed. Our culture, with its birthing Practices, clothes, furniture and sleeping & eating patterns, does not give our babies much of an opportunity to show what they are capable of. Can we adopt a more "laid-back" approach to feeding and nurturing our babies which makes it possible for them to teach us what they are born knowing? Learn about the baby's natural habitat, preferred positions and instinctual behaviours. And maybe, once we understand our babies better, we can live with them and care for them more easily.

Eva Bild is a Childbirth Educator, Doula and Breastfeeding Educator. She has been working with birthing families since 1992. She is the owner of the Mothering Touch Centre and the mother of three (almost) grown children.

Shirley Broback
1:30pm - Where do we start? Becoming a Mom-entrepreneur
Shirley Broback is the creator and producer of the Vancouver Island Baby Fair. She took her diverse interests and experience in the perinatal field, sales, marketing, and event planning and combined them to create an event that gives new parents a place to learn, to shop, and to be welcomed with their little ones. Shirley will talk about the benefits and challenges of becoming a mom-entrepreneur, with a focus on the steps you need to take if you're serious about starting your own business.

Shirley is currently a nominee for the SavvyMom Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Please take a moment and cast your vote for her online.

Cristi Lundman
3:00pm - A Bum Wrap: Cloth Diapering Solutions for every Budget and Lifestyle
Cristi has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UBC and has spent the majority of her career working with expectant parents and families with young children. She runs Huckleberry Baby Shop in Nanaimo, providing cloth diapering and baby wearing products and information to parents. By far, her most important role is "mommy" to three little girls.

Join Cristi to explore how easy, affordable, and fun cloth diapering can be. Learn about the various diapering systems available today and gain insight into why cloth diapering has become the newest hip and eco-friendly thing to do!

Lisa Argue
3:30pm - Foster Parent Support Services Society: Room for One More
Do you have room for one more? On Vancouver Island there are more than 1500 children from newborn to age 19 that need a temporary home. Are you a family that can provide loving care, support and a safe environment to these children in our community who need our help? Learn more about these children and how together we can make a difference. Lisa Argue is the South Island Recruitment Coordinator with Foster Parent Support Services Society - a Grass Roots, non-profit organization that is committed to providing meaningful and accessible support, education, and networking services for the foster parents of the Vancouver Island Region. Programs include: the BC Foster Care Education, Mentoring, Safe Babies, Advanced FASD Caregiver, Foster Hope Recruitment, and Protocol Support Team as well as numerous on-going training, workshop and networking opportunities.

The FPSSS is the charitable partner for the the Vancouver Island Baby Fair's fundraising efforts through our Photo Contest, face painting, and stroller parking.

Amie Brotsky, RMT and Dr. Maja Edgar, DC
4:00pm - Benefits of Chiropractic and Massage during Pregnancy
Is your body feeling ready for pregnancy? Beginning to notice aches and discomfort while you're pregnant? Interested in having your body as ready as possible for delivery? We'll discuss what to expect during your appointments, postural symptoms that may occur during pregnancy, how things like low back pain, sciatica, or swelling may be addressed through treatment, how to support your body post pregnancy and the benefits of adding massage therapy and chiropractic to your health team.

Dr. Maja Edgar, D.C. is a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. Dr. Edgar has a special interest in the areas of chiropractic that include pre and postnatal care, and childcare. Amie Brotsky, RMT has been a Registered Massage Therapist for 4 years and a body worker for 10 years. She is currently a teacher at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy. Both work out of John Douglas Chiropractic & Massage.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 27 MAIN STAGE BIOS:

Bobs and Lolo
12:00pm and 2:00pm
Bobs & Lolo will bring their energetic and colourful show to the main stage on Sunday. Young fans will recognize this duo from their video on Treehouse TV!

Bobs & Lolo are dedicated to connecting kids to the natural world with music, movement and make-believe. Sharing musical stories that engage, inspire and educate, they teach kids to care about themselves, their neighbours, and the planet. Their latest album, "Action Packed," earned them a 2009 Parents Choice Gold Award.

Kristin Van den Bos
1:00pm - How & Why to Wear Your Baby
Kristin Van den Bos is a mother of three who has a passion for babywearing and natural childrearing. She and her mother, Suzanne, designed the West Coast Sling and are the founders of Baby Slings Canada. She has 9 years of personal experience researching and using many different baby carriers and has been working for the past 3 years helping new parents realize the ease and benefits of babywearing.

Kristin will discuss the benefits of babywearing from infancy through toddlerhood, as well as the benefits of different types of carriers to help suit individual needs.

Diana Cronin
1:30pm - What is HypnoBirthing?
Afraid to give birth? Afraid of the pain and complications? This fascinating childbirth program allows you to give birth in a calm, relaxing, and stress free way. HypnoBirthing reduces and often eliminates the need for chemical painkillers, shortens the first phase of labor and leaves the mother alert, awake and with energy to bond happily and healthily with her baby.

Diana is a HypnoBirthing practitioner with Victoria HypnoBirthing, certified by the HypnoBirthing Institute using the Mongan method developed by Marie F. Mongan. Diana is the mother of four, all born in a natural and calm manner. It was during the birth of her first grandchild that Diana learned about HypnoBirthing. She was so impressed by the program she decided to become a practitioner so she could share this gift with other women.

Drew Binette
3:00pm - BC Ambulance Paramedic, St. John Ambulance: Infant First Aid and Choking
St. John Ambulance is Canada's leader in First Aid. Thier award-winning courses teach the skills necessary to care for infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers and emphasize safety, dealing with emergencies, and first aid basics, Come see our infant CPR demo on the main stage and see if you would know what to do in an emergency

Baby Fair Advance Tickets Now on Sale!

2009-08-24T15:20:00.000-07:00

Advance tickets for the Vancouver Island Baby Fair are now on sale!
You can purchase your Weekend Passes for $5 at these participating stores:

Bellies In Bloom Maternity Store - #104-4489 Viewmont Ave (Royal Oak Shopping Centre), Victoria
JamTots Baby & More Store- 748 Goldstream Ave., Langford
Kinderbeez Children's Consignment - #110-2755 Beverly St., Duncan
Mothering Touch Centre - 975 Fort St., Victoria
Sprouts Children't Boutique - 202-536 Herald St., Victoria
The Good Planet Baby Company - 1005 Broad St., Victoria

You can also get tickets at the door during the weekend of the fair, Sept. 26 & 27 for $6/day or $7/Weekend Pass.
Kids 12 and under are free.
Fair location: Pearkes Rec Centre, 3100 Tillicum Rd., Victoria BC.