By Mark Ambrogi
Jenn Kampmeier describes herself as a MomPreneur.
The Carmel single mother started with a Baby Expo in 2008. But as her son, Zane, now 10, got older, she wanted an event to focus on the whole family.
The third Indy Family Fest will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ritz Charles in Carmel. The first two events were held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, but Kampmeier said she wanted to bring her event to Hamilton County.
“The whole purpose is for families to get together and have fun, do hands-on activities,” she said. “We don’t connect as families. Who sits down for dinner anymore? So turn off the TV and put down the cellphone and enjoy each other.”
Kampmeier said the event’s target area runs from expecting moms all the way to families with children of about 11 years old.
“I wanted to expand this so it didn’t just focus on the babies or toddlers, but focused on the entire family,” said Kampmeieir, who runs Rock the Cradle for parents-to-be and new parents in the spring.
There will be 70 vendors and 25 activities for families at Family Fest.
“We want people to shop and buy local,” Kampmeier said.
A Diaper Crawl will be held for infants younger than 9 months, which will offer prizes.
“Another event is the Daddyathon, which is a fast-paced obstacle course,” Kampmeier said. “It’s where the dads or partners have to [complete]a series of tasks, such as changing a diaper on the baby. They can win items from Chicco. The stroller set we’re giving away is valued at over $3,000.”
Among the activities will be football drills and skills conducted by the IndyTornados and soccer shots.
Also available will be the Hoosier Game Hut mobile video game truck. There will be a stage with an assortment of live entertainment including singing, dancing and a fashion show. Demi Mays, a children’s performing and recording artist, will perform at 11:30 a.m.
“We’ll have a comic book area where kids can create a comic book and cartoon people,” Kampmeier said.
There will be Canvas Painting for kids to take a painting home as well. The Life in the Pregnant Lane area will have shopping items such as formula and diapers. There also will be visits by various Indiana princesses from various ages. Kampmeier said the princesses will help with story time and pose for pictures.
Kampmeier is partnering with the nonprofit Cool Bus, an Indianapolis mobile literary arts center.
“We’re promoting literacy so anyone who brings a book to our event will receive $1 off the admission,” Kampmeier said.
IF YOU GO
What: Indy Family Fest
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 3
Where: Ritz Charles, 12156 N. Meridian St., Carmel
Cost: $5 for adults, $2 for children age 3 to 12. A family pack of two adults and two children costs $12.
More info: Visit indyfamilyfest.com.
