Food and snack vendors debut at the Oh Baby! expo

The Oh Baby! Family Expo, Toy & Game and Party Expo this weekend will include food and snack vendors for the first time, said organizer Anna Lau-Parish.

“Since it’s a party, we are asking people to come hungry,” she said, promising the expo will have a “great party atmosphere to meet face-to-face with venues, caterers, entertainers, decor, supplies, activities and over 20 different party vendors.”

One new vendor, Sweet Creams, creates handmade ice cream rolls using fresh fruit and other ingredients while you watch, Lau-Parish said. “It’s really a great activity to have at a birthday party or special event.”

Pop Pop Donuts creates scratch-made doughnuts, and expo-goers (or party guests) can choose their own topping. Franny’s Hawaiian Fresh Fruit Popsicles come in a range of flavors made using fresh fruit or fun ingredients such as bubblegum.

Other food vendors at the expo include Jamba Juice; Marujyu Market, known for its Hawaiian food; Olay’s Thai Food Express; Panda Express; Tea Girls Hawaii; Ulu’s Lemonade; and others. Prices range from $3 and up.

Patrons can sample the food at the expo and sign up vendors for children’s parties, fundraisers and special events. “With the upcoming holidays … everyone who is meeting with family and friends may add something new and different to their gathering,” Lau-Parish said.

The expo is aimed at expectant moms through families with preteens.

Wee ones and older ones 3 to 12 years old can try out the latest toys for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), while parents and grandparents will find a host of event vendors offering locations, caterers, activities, decor and other party necessities. Local, handcrafted apparel for babies and children and national brands’ merchandise will also be sold.

On Sunday, a baby crawling contest will be staged at 2 p.m. in the Galleria. Watch, and you’ll find out babies don’t always follow traditional racing rules.

A Family Dress-up Costume Parade at 3 p.m. Sunday is sponsored by Kawaii Kon, a local annual anime and manga convention.

Throughout the expo, entertainers and guest speakers will appear onstage, and the state Department of Health will offer materials regarding the Zika virus, while the nonprofit PATCH, or People Attentive to Children, will discuss techniques for positive discipline.

Pikachu, the popular Pokemon character, and Rilakkuma, a popular San-X character, will make appearances both days.