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Barbara Kaplan

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Scene from the 14th annual Kids Fair on April 6. Photo from Barbara Kaplan
Scene from the 14th annual Kids Fair on April 6. Photo from Barbara Kaplan
Scene from the 14th annual Kids Fair on April 6. Photo from Barbara Kaplan
Scene from the 14th annual Kids Fair on April 6. Photo from Barbara Kaplan
Scene from the 14th annual Kids Fair on April 6. Photo from Barbara Kaplan
Scene from the 14th annual Kids Fair on April 6. Photo from Barbara Kaplan
Scene from the 14th annual Kids Fair on April 6. Photo from Barbara Kaplan

Once again, the All Kids Fair was an enjoyable day for families across Long Island and beyond. It occurred on Sunday, April 6 at the Hilton Long Island/Huntington.   

The All Kids Fair, produced by Specialty Connections, provided a fun, educational day for families to share together as it does every April. In addition to many kid-centered activities, there were opportunities to learn about Long Island-based companies that offer services and products relevant to them.

Over 2000 attendees spent the day learning about schools, camps, after-school activities, saving for college, health/wellness services, birthday party options, and non-profits. They also had the opportunity to purchase kids’ products such as bows and toys.

There were many kids’ classes, including fencing, karate, chess, brain training, fashion design and sewing, dance, and tennis.

In addition to the classes, and all included with admission, the children enjoyed bounce houses, music, face painting, balloon animals, characters, cotton candy, a photo booth, child ID kits, arts and crafts, a Lego table with sensory play, and pediatric dental screenings. There was also a petting zoo with sheep, goats, chickens, and rabbits, sponsored by Optum Medical Care. Fortunately, the weather held out, and the petting zoo was able to take place on a dry day under cloudy skies.

Miss Long Island 2024 Katherine Wang attended and took photos with the kids.

This fun-filled event offers exciting educational and leisure activities to interest kids and their families each year. The Fair has opportunities for all ages, including kids with special needs.

One of this year’s newest additions was the opportunity to play with and cuddle puppies, which was a huge hit.

The 501st Legion, Empire City Garrison, taught two Star Wars costuming classes. This all-volunteer organization was formed to bring together costume enthusiasts and was in authentic “Bad Guy” costumes from the beloved franchise. 

Attendee Katie Chaput of Smithtown shared “I think this year the vendors were fantastic. Everybody was very helpful and made the fair very enjoyable. I look forward to coming back next year with my kids.”

Barbara Kaplan, the owner/director the expo, said, “The All Kids Fair is always such a fun day. It is wonderful to see the families enjoying themselves, and the exhibitors had a great day meeting with the public to showcase their products and services.” 

There was also a charity drive to benefit Agape Meals for Kids, a local 501(c)(3) organization that provides weekend meals to children living with food insecurity on Long Island. Attendees were encouraged to bring non-perishable, easy-to-prepare, easy-to-heat, single-serve, and healthy food. Those who donated food or money received raffle tickets to win great prizes and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that they helped Long Island kids in need.

Additional 2025 All Kids Fair sponsors were Saf-T-Swim Swim School, WildPlay Jones Beach, Small Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, TGA Tennis – Golf – Athletics, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and School, Epic Escape Rooms LI, Achievement Behavior Services, 106.1 BLI, Clowns.com, Your Local Kids Source, Schneps Long Island, Herald Community Newspapers, Litmor Publications / Garden City News, and 516Ads.com / 631Ads.com.

Information about the expo is available at www.AllKidsFair.com 

The next event produced by Specialty Connections will be the 16th annual Over 50 Fair on Sunday, September 14 at the Hilton Long Island/Huntington. Sales for exhibitors and speakers will begin in two weeks. This event is geared towards adults age 50+ and is not a “typical senior fair” but rather a fun and educational day that includes fun activities and information about living life to its fullest. The Over 50 Fair website is www.Over50Fair.com 

About the All Kids Fair

The All Kids Fair is an annual event organized by Specialty Connections. It showcases services such as schools, after-school activities, places for kids to play, camps, childcare centers, kid-friendly products such as toys and books, and health/wellness products and services. For information about all the events that Specialty Connections produces, visit www.SpecialtyConnections.com. For more information about the All Kids Fair, visit www.AllKidsFair.com. To learn about the Over 50 Fair, another event that Specialty Connection produces and is geared towards adults age 50+, visit www.Over50Fair.com.  Contact Barbara Kaplan at 516-621-1446.

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A scene from the 2024 All Kids Fair. Photo courtesy of Barbara Kaplan
New this year - puppies! Photo from Barbara Kaplan
A scene from the 2024 All Kids Fair. Photo courtesy of Barbara Kaplan
A scene from the 2024 All Kids Fair. Photo courtesy of Barbara Kaplan
A scene from the 2024 All Kids Fair. Photo courtesy of Barbara Kaplan
A scene from the 2024 All Kids Fair. Photo courtesy of Barbara Kaplan
A scene from the 2024 All Kids Fair. Photo courtesy of Barbara Kaplan
A scene from the 2024 All Kids Fair. Photo courtesy of Barbara Kaplan
A scene from the 2024 All Kids Fair. Photo courtesy of Barbara Kaplan

The Huntington Hilton, 598 Broad Hollow Road, Melville will host the  14th annual All Kids Fair on Sunday, April 6 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Since 2011, the All Kids Fair has provided a fun day each April for kids and their families to spend time together and also learn about Long Island-based companies that offer services and products for them.

There are many exciting reasons for families to attend each year, in addition to the opportunity to meet with over 80 kid-centered exhibitors. Here are some of this year’s reasons, all of which are free with admission:

  • Many kids’ classes
  • Bounce houses
  • Petting zoo with sheep, goats and more from 11 AM – 3 PM
  • Music
  • Face painting
  • Balloon animals
  • Characters
  • Cotton candy
  • Photo booth
  • Child ID kits
  • Puppies to cuddle
  • Arts and crafts
  • Mini soccer lessons
  • Mini martial arts lessons
  • Mini karate lessons
  • Mini pediatric dental screenings
  • Lego table with sensory play

Miss Long Island 2024 Katherine Wang will be in attendance and will take photos with the kids.

Kids’ classes this year include fencing, pickleball, fashion design and sewing, chess, dance, and karate.

According to Barbara Kaplan, director of the expo, “We are thrilled to be back at the Huntington Hilton. The Hilton is a wonderful venue for us because of its spacious layout, high ceilings, carpeted floors, and excellent parking. We will once again be able to have many draws for Long Island families to enjoy together.” The All Kids Fair will have many different types of exhibitors, including camps, places to play, after-school activities, birthday party planners, photographers, special needs providers, non-profits, kids’ products, and college planning.

This fun-filled event offers exciting educational and leisure activities to interest kids and their families each year. The Fair has opportunities for all ages, including kids with special needs.

One of this year’s newest additions is Puppy Party. Children will be able to play with and cuddle puppies.

The 501st Legion, Empire City Garrison, will be teaching two Star Wars Costuming classes. This all-volunteer organization formed to bring together costume enthusiasts and will be in authentic “Bad Guy” costumes from the beloved franchise accurately and professionally. At last year’s All Kids Fair, the related Saber Guild–Endor Temple group came, and the kids loved their Padawan Training Institute.

2024 attendee Linda Calzone shared “This was a fantastic event! Thank you to All Kids Fair and everyone involved in making [the 2024 All Kids Fair] a day our kids won’t forget!!”

After the 2024 event, Barbara Kaplan said, “Once again, we had a wonderful day for families to learn about great Long Island businesses and organizations.  We also had terrific products for sale.  It was so much fun to see families have an amazing day together.”

There will also be a charity drive to benefit Agape Meals for Kids, a local 501(c)(3) organization that provides weekend meals to children living with food insecurity on Long Island. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable, easy-to-prepare, easy-to-heat, single-serve, and healthy food. Those who donate food or money will receive raffle tickets to win great prizes and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that they have helped Long Island kids in need.

Sponsors for the 2025 All Kids Fair include Petting Zoo Sponsor Optum as well as additional sponsors Saf-T-Swim Swim School, WildPlay Jones Beach, Small Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, TGA Tennis – Golf – Athletics, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and School, Epic Escape Rooms LI, 106.1 BLI, Clowns.com, Your Local Kids Source, Schneps Long Island, Herald Community Newspapers, Litmor Publications / Garden City News, and 516Ads.com / 631Ads.com.

Tickets purchased in advance at www.AllKidsFair.com/Tickets are $5 for children ages 2 and up and adults. Tickets purchased at the door are $10 for children ages 2 and up and $5 for adults. Children 1 and younger are admitted at no charge.

Information about the expo is available at www.AllKidsFair.com

 

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The Over 50 Fair returns to the Hilton Long Island on Sept. 22.
The Over 50 Fair returns to the Hilton Long Island on Sept. 22.
The Over 50 Fair returns to the Hilton Long Island on Sept. 22.
The Over 50 Fair returns to the Hilton Long Island on Sept. 22.
The Over 50 Fair returns to the Hilton Long Island on Sept. 22.
The Over 50 Fair returns to the Hilton Long Island on Sept. 22.
The Over 50 Fair returns to the Hilton Long Island on Sept. 22.

The Over 50 Fair, in its 15th year, returns to the Hilton Long Island/Huntington, 598 Broadhollow Road, Melville on Sunday, September 22 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Each year, Baby Boomers, seniors, and those a bit younger meet with over 80 exhibitors and attend over 25 classes geared toward them. The Over 50 Fair annually entertains and educates hundreds of Long Islanders.

The classes are always hugely popular at the event, and each year there is tremendous variety. This year’s classes include “Zumba,” presented by Laura O’Shea of the YMCA of Long Island; “Google:  More Than a Search Engine,” presented by Rich Levitan of Family Service League, SeniorNet LI; “How to Improve Your Dating and Sex Life After 50” with Maureen Tara Nelson; and Astrology – What is in Your Stars?” presented by Terry Lauria-Whalen of Your Enchanted Tree. Additional classes will include talks on clutter control, Medicare, ghost hunting, and two fitness and self-defense classes. The schedule of all classes can be found at www.Over50Fair.com/class-list. 

Businesses and non-profits promote local products and services, including health and wellness, education, travel, and financial services, plus some less expected, such as several book authors and psychics.

Over 50 Fair is the brainchild of East Hills resident Barbara Kaplan, who also coordinates the very successful All Kids Fair each April. She said the Over 50 Fair is “Overflowing with Opportunities for Age 50+.” She emphasized that “this is NOT a typical ‘senior fair.’ It is an opportunity for people to learn, interact, and have fun. Our guests can meet with many experts in their fields all in one place,” she added.  

Some of this year’s “draws” will be “arts and crafts for adults” with One River School of Art + Design, a singles lounge, compliments of MTN Matchmaking, and a live acoustic music showcase, presented by Carrie Creative Concepts.

Six acoustic musicians will be performing a variety of types of music. James Erxleben of North American Pandas who will be playing various acoustic rock and popular music favorites from the The Beatles to Kurt Cobain. Vickie and the Acoustic Gents will be playing soulful vocal and high energy music from the 70’s through today’s artists, including great duets.

Free hearing screenings will be offered by Anywhere Audiology.  There will be free blood pressure checks, energy wellness scans, and reiki healings available.

This event has built a loyal following due to its consistent presentation of various classes, products, and services they find appealing. 

Feedback from the attendees and exhibitors after the 2023 event was very positive. Exhibitor Joe Satriano of the Susan Satriano Foundation shared that the Over 50 Fair “runs smoothly because of her [Barbara Kaplan’s] organizational skills, her kind demeanor, and her willingness to assure that those who attend have a great experience.”

The Over 50 Fair was recently voted 2024’s Best of Nassau County in the Best Annual Event/Festival – Live or Virtual category for the 10th consecutive year. 

The INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network), a local non-profit that helps Long Island’s needy, will be in attendance collecting non-perishable food and funds. Those who donate will receive raffle tickets to win terrific donated prizes.

Tickets are $5 in advance at www.Over50Fair.com, which includes all classes, exhibits, singles lounge, music performances, health screenings, arts & crafts, and more. Those who purchase tickets online will receive a raffle ticket at the event for a special door prize raffle. Tickets are also available at the door for $7, and it is free for Veterans to attend with ID.

This year’s event sponsors are Acupuncture Wellness Services, Men on the Move, Optum Medical Care, Wellcare, Healthfirst, AARP Long Island, East Neck Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, CenterLight Healthcare PACE, Jake’s 58, Schneps Long Island, The Garden City News, Herald Community Newspapers,102.3 WBAB/106.1 BLI and 516Ads.com/631Ads.com.

For more information about this and future events, visit www.Over50Fair.comor call 516-621-1446.

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Susan Klein’s Park Lane Jewelry was a popular booth at last year's fair.
One of the many classes at the 2023 Over 50 Fair
Yoga class at the 2023 Over 50 Fair
MTN Matchmaking will once again run the Singles Lounge.
Attendees have many choices of classes to attend every hour (photo from 2023)
Joanne Amante, one of the performers in the acoustic music showcase at the Over 50 Fair in 2023

The Over 50 Fair, in its 15th year, returns to the Hilton Long Island/Huntington, 598 Broad Hollow Road, Melville on Sunday, September 22 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Each year, Baby Boomers, seniors, and those a bit younger meet with over 80 exhibitors and attend 25 classes geared toward them. The Over 50 Fair annually entertains and educates hundreds of Long Islanders.

Businesses and non-profits promote local products and services, including health and wellness, education, travel, and financial services, plus some less expected, such as several book authors and psychics.

Over 50 Fair is the brainchild of East Hills resident Barbara Kaplan, who also coordinates the very successful All Kids Fair each April. She said the Over 50 Fair is “Overflowing with Opportunities for Age 50+.” She emphasized that “this is NOT your typical ‘senior fair.’ It is an opportunity for people to learn, interact, and have fun. Our guests can meet with many experts in their fields all in one place,” she added.  

Some of this year’s “draws” will be a singles lounge, compliments of MTN Matchmaking, and a live acoustic music showcase, presented by Carrie Creative Concepts.

This year’s classes include “Downsizing your Home” with Realtor® Anna Beigelman; “How to Improve Your Dating and Sex Life After 50” with Maureen Tara Nelson, “Adventures of a Ghost Hunter,” with Joe Giaquinto; and a “Soft Landing in Retirement” financial talk with Fortis Lux. Additional classes will include a comedy show, foot care for people with diabetes, and a fitness and self-defense class.

Free health screenings will include hearing screenings from Anywhere Audiology.  There will be free energy wellness scans and reiki healings available.

This event has built a loyal following due to its consistent presentation of various classes, products, and services they find appealing. 

Feedback from the attendees and exhibitors after the 2023 event was very positive. Exhibitor Joe Satriano of the Susan Satriano Foundation shared that the Over 50 Fair “runs smoothly because of her [Barbara Kaplan’s] organizational skills, her kind demeanor, and her willingness to assure that those who attend have a great experience.”

The Over 50 Fair was just voted 2024’s Best of Nassau County in the Best Annual Event/Festival – Live or Virtual category for the 10th consecutive year in Blank Slate Media’s contest.  

The INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network), a local non-profit that helps Long Island’s needy, will be in attendance collecting non-perishable food and funds. Those who donate will receive raffle tickets to win terrific donated prizes.

Tickets are $5 in advance at www.Over50Fair.com, which includes all classes, exhibits, singles lounge, music performances, health screenings, and more. Those who purchase tickets online will receive a raffle ticket at the event for a special door prize raffle. Tickets are also available at the door for $7, and it is free for Veterans to attend with ID.

This year’s event sponsors include Acupuncture Wellness Services, Men on the Move, Blank Slate Media, The Garden City News, Herald Community Newspapers, and 516Ads.com/631Ads.com.

For more information about this and future events, visit www.Over50Fair.com. For more information, call 516-621-1446.

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