Expo gives summer options

While it was the children showcased at the Youth Expo this weekend at the OC Fair and Event Center, which had performances, educational activities, fundraisers and displays, the event was just as much a dream for parents as it was fun for their children.

“It’s just fun,” said parent Penny Zellman. “I don’t get a lot of time to do that normally [with my daughter Julia].”

Zellman and 6-year-old Julia were enjoying themselves blowing giant bubbles when they weren’t helping out with their girl scout troop booth. The pair camped out with their troop at the three-day event all weekend at the Orange County Fairgrounds.

The Youth Expo brings in educational, children- or parent-geared vendors for families to take a look at, learn from or engage, while local students and schools take the opportunity to show off their talents.

Student projects from schools all over Orange County were put on display at the event, including photography, artwork and models as well as science projects.

College Park Elementary in Costa Mesa had third- and fourth-grade students win a first prize award for portraits the class drew where each face was divided into quarters and each section filled in a different color.

And while students displayed their talents either through performance, a spelling bee or a previous project done in the classroom, it was the parents who got to soak in the moment, basking in their children’s accomplishments.

“It’s a bonding experience,” Zellman said.

The event also offered an opportunity to learn about summer camps, activities and school programs by talking to representatives from a broad range of groups at the expo. The Jamboree organization and Parenting OC Magazine organized the portion of the event that helped parents solve the dilemma of those long summer vacation days.

“We are trying to get the word out of what’s available in Orange County,” said Parenting OC Magazine owner Ann-Marie Tiernney. “Instead of reading about a camp online, it’s better to meet people in charge.”

Tiernney, who has been working with the Youth Expo for two years, wanted to give parents the opportunity to make a “one-stop shop” for summer educational ideas. There were acting lesson groups, summer camps, private schools, tutoring centers, Sea World representatives, and many others.

“As a parent, the days can get very long and filled with electronics,” Tiernney said. “If you don’t schedule things for kids to do over summer, they are going to go to the electronics.

Tiernney stressed the importance for parents to find safe, affordable and educational activities for their children to be involved in while they aren’t in the classroom on a regular basis.

DANIEL TEDFORD may be reached at (714) 966-4632 or at daniel.tedford@latimes.com.