Few things are as all encompassing as being a parent. From healthcare to education, healthy food to helpful gadgets, getting that squirming bundle of joy safely to adulthood takes time, effort, tons of love and well, let’s just say it ain’t cheap. So in the name of good networking, education, saving money, encouraging one another and making life a little easier for all the over-extended moms out there who are doing their best to raise happy, healthy, well-adjusted kids, there is a new gig in town. It’s called It’s a Mommy-A-Fair, which is a new and exciting consumer show for parents, grandparents, caregivers and even kids.

The goal is to provide information in the areas of nutrition, health, fi tness, education, safety, childcare and other important products and services.

On April 16 and 17, It’s a Mommy-A-Fair: From Birth and Beyond will be at the Crown Expo Center packed with vendors offering information and products designed to make things a little easier for moms and moms-to-be. There will be things that make life more effi cient and just plain better for junior too, which is always a good thing for mom.

Frances Scott, a journalist, blogger on parenting issues and mother of three will be the Grand Marshall of the event.

The organizers haven’t forgotten the wisdom in the adage “If Momma ain’t happy ain’t nobody happy” and are including vendors and events that are sure to make mom feel special.

“The Cape Fear region is home to a large number of families with young children,” said new mom and Event Marketing & Operations Manager Dani Durante. “We wanted to offer families a place where they could come and learn about the products and services that are available right here in our community. As a parent, I know how hard it is to fi nd out what information is available in this area. It’s a Mommy-A-Fair offers parents and children that information in a fun-fi lled atmosphere.”

On Saturday, the seminars start at 11 a.m. and run through 5 p.m. Visitors to Mommy-A-Fair will hear about things like optomology, potty training, facial anti-aging, non-surgical options for a facial plastic surgeon and everything you wanted to know about pregnancy but were afraid to ask your doctor.

On stage, look for demonstrations about fi tness, gymnastics and there will be some games too. One of the highlights of the day will be the Q98 Diaper Dash and Parent Olympics.

Sunday’s seminars open at 11 a.m. and are scheduled to include topics like optomology, cloth diapers, hair laser: removal and regrowth and new advances in long-term contraception. Look for Zumba and fi tness topics to dominate the stage Sunday morning as well, but the afternoon will be fi lled with kid-friendly events like a presentation by Snyder Music Academy, a rolling video game arcade and magic shows that are sure to impress the little ones.

“There are just so many things to be excited about. There is so much that will be happening on stage,” said Durante. “The chance to have the seminars and to be able to listen to the professionals and then talk with them about topics that are interesting to moms is a really important part of the experience we are trying to provide too.”

Vendors will include many of the area’s businesses that provide services ranging from 3-D ultrasound to autism consulting, kids camp, birth classes, childcare, medical and dental care, educational resources, entertainment, speech therapy, support groups and services and more.

There will be plenty of products to peruse and purchase, too. Look for things like stork signs, potty training and diaper products, kids clothes, jewelry, fragrances, fun, creative purses and bags and more.

Feel free to bring the kids. They are sure to enjoy the face painting and games that will be provided. This event was planned with kids in mind, making it easier and more fun for everyone.

“Being a mom myself, I think it will be fun to be able to look around and then be able to give the kids a break at the games so they can enjoy the day too,” said Durante.

Saturday the doors open at 10 a.m. and patrons are welcome to stay until the doors close at 6 p.m. Sunday the doors open at 11 a.m. and things will wind down at 5 p.m. Regular admission is $7. Kids 10 and under are free and grandparents can get in for $5.

Find out more details at www.itsamommy-a-fair.com or visit them on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ pages/Its-a-Mommy-AFair/ 169677953077531