Wendy Royal, editor of Where & When Pennsylvania and organizer of the fourth annual PA Family Travel Fair, knows that if you want to interest families, you need to appeal to children. With that in mind, Royal has lined up a balloon magic show, a few lovable mascots, reptiles, and a special passport game with a prize designed to make children smile for this year's fair.
The fair, which was first held in 2018, was held virtually in 2020 and canceled in 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions. For 2022, the free event will include exhibitors, amusements, food trucks, and opportunities to win prizes. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 23, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Calvary Church, 1051 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster.
Razzle Dazzle Balloons will not only create free fun balloon creations for children, but it will hold balloon magic shows at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Reptiles and Amphibians of the World from Refreshing Mountain Wildlife Center will give a presentation at noon, and mascots, including Echo the Bat from Lincoln Caverns and Chipper from Herr Foods, Inc., will greet visitors. The Kids Cookie Break car will be on-site, as will friendly service dogs from Keystone Pet Enhanced Therapy Services (KPETS). An interactive children's game will include a special prize. "We will have a Passport to PA activity, where children go around to the different vendors and have their passport stamped," explained Royal. "They bring it back and are entered to win the child's giveaway, which is eight passes to DelGrosso's Park and Laguna Splash."
New exhibitors at this year's fair will be Visit Bucks County and Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, which focuses on the Penn State area. Visit Lawrence County will also make its first appearance this year.
Returning exhibitors will include premier sponsor Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, which will give away a vacation for four valued at $2,000, including lodging, food, and passes to attractions. "Explore Altoona will be there, and they will bring members with them," said Royal, who mentioned that DelGrosso's and Fort Roberdeau Historic Site will be represented at the Altoona booth. Other areas that will be showcased will include Luzerne County, Franklin County, Laurel Highlands, and Potter-Tioga.
Prizes and giveaways will be sponsored by Clinton County Visitor's Bureau, Visit Potter-Tioga, Explore Altoona, DelGrosso's Amusement Park & Laguna Splash, Susquehanna River Valley, and more.
Royal noted that promoting the beauty and excitement of Pennsylvania is at the heart of the event. "The mission is to educate families on all the fun and interesting things there are to do within driving distance," said Royal, who added that the state's natural wonders are plentiful. "We have beaches," she noted. "Presque Isle State Park is beautiful."
Plenty of free parking will be available at the fair. Readers who would like more information are welcome to visit http://www.pafamilytravel.com.
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