OGS and Hannaford Supermarkets Present Kidz Expo

ALBANY, NY (02/26/2010)(readMedia)-- New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner, John C. Egan, today announced the return of the popular Hannaford Kidz Expo, to be held on Saturday, March 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza. The Hannaford Kidz Expo is an exciting, interactive mix of fun and learning featuring giant bounce rides, live animals, circus performers, hands-on activities, professional theater productions, dozens of costumed characters and more. The event is free of charge and funded entirely by outside sponsors.

"The family-friendly Kidz Expo is made possible, without cost to the state, through the generous support of Hannaford Supermarkets and all of our community partners," said Commissioner Egan. "OGS is pleased that families can enjoy a free fun-filled day of educational and entertaining activities."

"Hannaford is proud to once again partner with the New York State Office of General Services to make possible this family-oriented event which is designed to encourage kids to eat healthy, enjoy learning and stay active," said Hannaford Albany District Manager Mike Merrow. "The Hannaford Kidz Expo offers families a chance to escape from the clutches of winter and is a harbinger of the coming spring season and its many outdoor offerings."

More than 80 exhibitors are scheduled to attend the 2010 Hannaford Kidz Expo, providing important information for parents and fun things for kids to see and do. At the OGS booth, visitors can register to win door prizes including Band Hero for the Nintendo Wii (provided courtesy of Vicarious Visions, an Albany video game and software developer). The first 1200 guests will also receive coupons for Dick's Sporting Goods.

Hannaford Supermarkets will be giving away environmentally-friendly reusable tote bags, bottled water and healthy snacks to expo visitors throughout the day, while supplies last.

This year's feature attractions include:

• Jigsaw Jones: The Case of the Class Clown

• Music by Uncle Brothers

• Circus Theatricks

• NYSERDA's Energy Classroom (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority)

• Fox 23 American Idol

• Games2U Laser Tag

• Dance Dimensions Recital

• Reptile Adventures

An official program for the Hannaford Kidz Expo that includes a full schedule and a map can be found in the March edition of the Capital District Parent Pages. Programs will also be available at the event.

OGS would like to thank all the sponsors of this event including Hannaford Supermarkets, SEFCU, Capital District Parent Pages, CSEA, Pitney Bowes, Fidelis Care, 107.7 WGNA, Fox 23, Times Union, Dick's Sporting Goods, Total Events, Bounce Around, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

For more information about the Hannaford Kidz Expo and other events at the Empire State Plaza, call 518-474-0538 or visit www.empirestateplaza.org.

###