Brides, craft-lovers, boating enthusiasts — Kelowna has an expo for just about everyone.
Everyone, that is, but teens and preteens and that’s a gap Ali Berman wants to fill.
Berman moved to Victoria five years ago and upon arriving she realized there weren’t a lot of opportunities for the teen to preteendemographic and their parents to convene and access services in a fun way, so she made one and named it TeenFest.
“It’s been incredible,” said Berman. “We get thousands of youths and their parents each year. It’s a great bonding experience —you seemoms and daughters on a climbing wall and dads and daughters on a bungee run. There’s something for everyone.”
The success of the island event offered cause to branch out, and she had been eyeing up Kelowna for awhile — until now it just wasn’tworking out.
Now Berman has lined up the Curling Club as a venue and is bringing TeenFest to Kelowna April 1. To make the event the success,however, she needs 60 to 80 exhibitors.
Organizations involved with mental health, drug and alcohol addiction services are one branch sought.
She’s also looking for participation from groups who offer activities to get the kids moving and more financially responsible.
Even organizations that focus on mentoring young people or getting them employed would work.
“We are looking for your community to come onboard,” she said.
“Vendors are supposed to be fun and engaging. In the past we have had incredible exhibitors to do something with youth.”
There’s also a teen talent competition which will be up and running soon.
For more information on the event that will be free to participants go to teenfest.ca or Berman at contact@teenfest.ca or 1-778-440-7277.