The first thing that usually hits them is surprise, Betty Sheehan said.
While Squamish businesses know of the community's baby boom, Lower Mainland companies are just waking up to it, the co-organizer of the Sea to Sky Family Fair said.
"They are not that aware of what's going on here," Sheehan said.
On Saturday (Sept. 15), Sheehan is hoping the third annual family-focused exhibit will connect parents with local and Lower Mainland child-rearing services. Forty-five exhibitors are set to pack the West Coast Railway Heritage Park's CN Roundhouse and Conference Centre.
"We are sold out," Sheehan said. "We've got a lot of great exhibitors."
The fair's birth came about on Facebook. While pregnant with her first child, Sheehan posted notices asking whether Squamish had a baby show. Months later, she was contacted by Kay Protheroe, who wanted to get something started.
Last year's fair drew more than double the number of exhibitors than the inaugural show, with more than 60 booths set up. This time around, the event's layout has been altered, limiting the number of stands to 52, Sheehan said.
"For me going to the shows, I am an information grabber," she said, noting the event is a good place to seek out parenting answers.
Juno Award-winning children's performers Bobs and Lolo will hit the stage in their second appearance in Squamish - the first being at last year's fair. The bubbly duo's show gets underway at 11 a.m., with a half-hour meet-and-greet after the event. Bobs and Lolo will sing and dance again at 1 p.m.
Par-T-Perfect will set up a "fun zone," complete with bouncy castles, face painting and children's games. Grinning Weasel Photography will be snapping shots for the fair's photo contest - the hunt for the "cutest" kid photo.
Sheehan, who along with Protheroe is the co-founder of Busy Mums, said she hopes the event continues to grow.
"[The fair] brings together local business that have things to offer young families," she said.
The Sea to Sky Family Fair will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the CN Roundhouse Centre. Admission for adults is $5 and children over two years of age cost $3. For more information on the event visit www.seatoskyfair.ca.
