There were magic shows, musical performances, wild animals, and, of course, plenty of resources and information for families as the 2021 Children’s Trust Family Expo Pop-Up Series debuted on Saturday, Aug. 28, at the Sweet Home Community Campus in South Dade.
Over 1,000 people showed up between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to enjoy the festivities as The Children’s Trust kicked off its annual signature family event after a year off caused by the coronavirus pandemic. And while the festivities and activities delighted the children, families were able to learn about all The Trust resources available to them with booths set up for initiatives and programs like the Book and Parent Clubs, the Youth Advisory Committee, the Miami Heart Gallery and more.
Trust-funded providers and other community and government organizations also took part with Miami-Dade County government, the School and Library systems, police and legal services, and many more among those present.
As parents walked along exhibitor tables, either inside in the air-condition or protected from the summer sun under tents, children were able to pose with popular characters or get active on a rock-climbing wall, bungee jumping trampoline or a bounce house.
Plenty of water was on hand to quench thirsty mouths, while three food trucks, including Cold Stone Creamery, were on hand to provide treats for hungry attendees. Face masks and hand-sanitizer were distributed throughout the event courtesy of Baptist Health Systems.
Congressman Carlos Gimenez and Susan Holtzman from Office of Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava came out to join Trust and families.
“It was a fantastic day,” said Children’s Trust President and CEO Jim Haj, who attended the event. “We loved being there, we had a great event - the first of four starting off in Cutler Bay. There were a lot of things for the kids to do and a lot of resources for parents.”
“We couldn’t have wished for a better kickoff to this year’s Family Expo Pop-Up events,” said Trust Director of Communications Ximena Nunez. “Everyone had a good time and The Children’s Trust and others were able to provide information on all the resources available to families in Miami-Dade. We can’t wait for the next event in Miami Gardens on Sept. 11.”
After Labor Day weekend, The Trust is set to hold three more Family Expo events, starting in Miami Gardens. Here are the dates and times.
- North Miami-Dade - Saturday, September 11, 2021, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Children's Trust Family Expo at PK People Matter Pop-up
Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex
3000 NW 199th Street
Miami Gardens, FL 33056
- Central Miami-Dade - Saturday, September 18, 2021, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Children’s Trust Family Expo at Family Fun Day
HistoryMiami Museum
101 W. Flagler Street
Miami, FL 33130
- West Miami-Dade - Saturday, September 25, 2021, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
DRIVE-THRU EVENT
The Children’s Trust Family Expo at Jackson West Medical Center
2801 NW 79th Avenue
Doral, FL 33122
Sweet Home Community Campus partnered with The Children’s Trust to put on the first event, which was sponsored by Baptist Health, Banyan Health Systems, Jackson Health System, 99 Jamz, and Community Care Plan.
For more information on The Children’s Trust Family Expo visit www.TheChildrensTrust.org/FamilyExpo.