Music, prizes and activities for all ages kept the crowd lively at the recent Everything Kids Expo at the Long Island City YMCA.
Now in its third year, the annual Everything Kids Expo – sponsored by The Queens Courier – has become a local tradition for the community, and this year marks the event’s second time at the YMCA. The festivities were planned to coincide with a nationwide initiative the volunteer organization hosts on April 25 to promote the well-being of children.
Ebony Young, executive director of the Long Island City YMCA, said that the event is a great way to put into practice the fundamental three pillars of the worldwide organization: youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
“It’s an opportunity for kids and families to come out and understand the importance of their wellbeing, mind, body and spirit,” Young said.
Youngsters big and small had active fun, whether they were playing educational word games with Reading Town, taking part in a live karate demonstration by YMCA students, or dancing and singing to popular songs.
Some lucky kids were even able to experience a sample lesson from Long Island City music school Sage Music.
“My favorite part was when I got to play with the drums,” said LaQuwan Carter, age 11.
Although there was much for children to enjoy at the event, many of the booths provided parents with important information on how families can maintain robust lifestyles through athletic activity and healthy eating. Day camps and personal chefs spoke to the community alongside representatives from health care providers, who spread awareness about the importance of having adequate health insurance.
“You never know when you’re going to get sick, so it’s always good to have some type of healthcare,” said Giomar Reyes of Wellcare. “Medicine right now is very expensive, doctor’s appointments are very expensive.”
RECOMMENDED STORIES
