Most of us might be focused on the weather, but Tiffani Campbell and Allison Wasko have a busy couple of weeks ahead of them.
The two Cary moms are organizing the first local
KidDilly Expo, a family-friendly event featuring businesses and groups that cater to kids and parents.
Campbell, a former school counselor and mom of three, owns
Social Butterflies NC and
KidDilly Cary, two local online guides to families activities happening around the Triangle. She also serves as the
Vend Raleigh new media leader, working with mothers who own small businesses.
Wasko, a mom of two, is a success coach to business owners, executives and professionals. Before moving to the Triangle, she co-launched the first KidDilly Expo in Scranton, Pa., in 2009. Since then, it's grown into a vibrant business showcase in the state.
KidDilly Expo 2017 is set for Jan. 21 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Cary. I checked in with Campbell and Wasko by email to learn more about the event. Here's our Q&A:
Go Ask Mom: How did the KidDilly Expo come about? Why did it get started?
Wasko and Campbell: The KidDilly Expo was started in 2009 in Scranton, Pa., by Allison as a celebration of families and a convenient and super fun preview of all the new and cool things offered for local families in the area. Allison, founder of KidDilly, relocated with her family to Cary and the two of us teamed up to bring this exciting experience to the growing community of western Wake.
As mothers, we were amazed at all the exciting businesses that were opening up catering to kids right in the western Wake area. We knew that bringing some of these premiere businesses front and center at the KidDilly Expo would give other parents an opportunity to learn more about what’s happening throughout Cary, Apex, Morrisville, Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina.
GAM: What's it all about?
W and C: Now it's a party with a purpose! It's all about bringing premiere hyper-local camps, services, products, programs, entertainers, and birthday venues together for one day in one place. It's a unique and exclusive chance for parents to interact with western Wake family-friendly businesses. It's also a welcome opportunity for kids to squeeze some summer into a January day.
Families will encounter fun demonstrations, games, and activities that highlight just how these businesses and organizations enhance life in our area. Be it art, dance, services, sports, or more, families are invited to explore all the great things for families in the area without having to drive all over town to do so. The KidDilly Expo aims to celebrate why our area is a great place to raise kids.
GAM: Why bring it to Cary?
W and C: The KidDilly Expo is a fun, festive, memorable and informative event that celebrates family regardless of geography. The Cary, Apex, and neighboring western Wake communities are flourishing with new active families, creative energy and a welcoming atmosphere. These are the exact same qualities that the KidDilly Expo carries that allows it to be a good fit for western Wake families.
GAM: What sorts of things will people find at the event in Cary?
W and C: The KidDilly Expo is a free family event that parents and children will enjoy. Kids can play games, participate in arts and crafts, capture moments in a photo booth, brush up on their sporting skills, learn new hip dance moves, become a lil’ chef, learn the newest coding techniques, meet Pete the Patrol Car from the Apex Police Department, enter to win giveaways and so much more, compliments of the exhibitors.
Parents can register for the
free ticket through EventBrite. Swag Bags will be given out to the first 150 visitors. Come early and help kick off the KidDilly Expo with a ribbon cutting from Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and Apex Mayor Lance Olive at 10 a.m. Social Butterflies NC lists all of the
family-friendly businesses and organizations that will be showcasing their fun for all visiting families.
GAM: What are your plans for KidDilly Cary in the future? Will there be more?
W and C: Planning future KidDilly Cary and Social Butterflies NC events that serve growing families and cater to local businesses is important to us. We hope to continue to bring these celebrations to the area throughout the year.
Go Ask Mom features local moms every Monday.
