
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, April 28, 1994                   TAG: 9406280027
SECTION: PARENT'S GUIDE                    PAGE: WPG7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: DONNA MUSSELWHITE
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

FAMILIES WILL FIND PLENTY TO SEE, DO AT PARENTING FAIR

More than 1,500 people are expected to visit the second annual Parenting Fair Saturday, April 30, at the Roanoke Civic Center. The fair is put on by The Parents' Place of the YMCA, with the help of Community Hospital, the Kiwanis, and media sponsor WDBJ-TV.

The fair, which runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., will feature more than 40 vendors, agencies and companies that provide materials or services to families. In addition to the different booths, there will also be demonstrations of dance and gymnastics, a children's fashion show, a performance by a Youth Symphony duo, and storytelling.

Outside the civic center, an officer from the Safety Council will inspect child safety seats. Children also will be able to see a rescue squad vehicle. Costumed cartoon characters will also be strolling through the fair.

Admission to the fair is free. Proceeds from the booth rentals go for support of The Parents' Place at the YMCA, a resource center for families. The Parents' Place is a cooperative effort of the YMCA and The Child Abuse Prevention Council to provide parenting education, information and referral, classes and activities, and even a toy-lending service.

Although The Parents' Place is located at the Central YMCA in downtown Roanoke, it is an independent program, and membership in the YMCA is not required to participate. The Parents' Place services are free of charge when possible. Currently, a membership fee of $5 is charged for participation in The Toy Room, which is a lending library for toys. The toys are catalogued and recommended according to developmental ages of children, and can be checked out for two weeks.

by CNB