[KHTS] – The 12th annual Kid Expo, hosted by the Child & Family Center at Golden Valley High School, brought together families and exhibitors who showcased products and services available for children.

The school gymnasium was was lined with exhibitors from all over Santa Clarita, such as Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, Santa Clarita School of Performing Arts and lcoal school districts.

“We have representation of all kinds of medical facilities, like Providence, we have karate studios and acting lessons,” said Joan Aschoff, president of the Child & Families Center. “Anything that’s available for our kids in our communities is represented here.”

Hundreds of people were able to browse the booths and participate in various activities the booths offered. Attendees were able to participate in activities, some as simple as spinning a wheel to win a prize, while others had challenges, such as a bean bag toss.

Some of the exhibitors were able to showcase what they offer on a stage outside of the gymnasium.

“We have out on our stage a representation from some of these (exhibitors),” Aschoff said. “We (have) karate studios doing a demonstration for that. We have dance schools doing a demonstration out there.”

For exhibitors, the event was a great opportunity to network out to the community.

“This event is about helping youngsters seeing the value of themself,” said Cedric Williamson, a talent director at the Santa Clarita School of Performing Arts. “I see kids sign up at our booths and come to our orientation and in a few short weeks, they get agents and get signed. We’re here for the community and we’re here to give back.”

Families attended the event, some bringing children in strollers, to see everything that the expo had to offer.

“The benefit for us is the enjoyment for the kids seeing what’s in the community,” Nicole Lloyd, an attendee of the event, said. “ There’s a lot more activities in town than I knew about.”

Lloyd said her kids loved the the free candy the most at the event.

The Child & Family Center helps build a healthy Santa Clarita Valley by providing mental health, behavioral and education services to children, adults and families.

| Skylar Barti