HOT Weekend in South Metro Atlanta! Here are some ideas for Local Indoor fun from LocalKidFun.com

Just saw the weather report this weekend and it's going to be unbearably hot. If you don't have access to a pool, here are some ideas for indoor fun this Saturday, June 20, 2009, pulled off my website, LocalKidFun.com

And don't forget it's Father's Day on Sunday. Here's a link for some last minute gift ideas. http://fayettemops.wordpress.com/

Indoor FUN, Saturday, June 10, 2009.

Family Art Saturday- Saturday Spark Third Saturday of the Month 10am-4pm
The THIRD Saturday of the month is a day to spark the fires of creativity for families at the Arts Clayton Gallery. For families, stop by between 10 AM and 4 PM for an art project or experience related to the monthly exhibition theme. The cost per project is $5.
Arts Clayton / 136 South Main Street, P.O. Box 669, Jonesboro, GA 30237 / (770) 473-5457 / www.artsclayton.org

Sign, Say & Play Class June 20 at 11am
Sign, Say and Play curriculum are carefully crafted sessions developed especially for parents and babies.By embedding the learning of signs in activities that promote cognitive, social, language, literacy and sensory-motor development we are able to teach parents ways to provide the support these area's that all babies need to make the most of their critical first three years. REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Linda's Playhouse / 1991 Hwy 54 West, Peachtree City, GA 30269 / 770-487-1979 / http://www.lindasplayhouse.org

Grand Opening Festival for Chattahoochee River Interpretive Center Sat., June 20 9am-5pm & Sun., June 21 12pm-5pm
Admission: $8 Adults, $6 Seniors, $5 Children 3 - 12, Children 2 and Under and members Free
A two-day festival celebrating the Grand Opening of the New Interpretive Center for the Chattahoochee River, Lakeside Pavilion, and Gardens! Travel through the new interactive Explore your Watershed Gallery where you will discover the exciting components of the forest, wetlands, and river!

Entertainment: Laughing Pizza takes the stage at 10 AM and 2PM on Saturday to get you and your kids moving in the Lakeside Pavilion. Sponsored in part by The Together Fund

Mickle-A-Do will perform on Saturday at 12 PM and 4 PM and on Sunday at 1PM and 3:30 PM in the Lakeside Pavilion!

Crafts and Face Painting Explore more about water and watersheds while making fun crafts including bubble art, pitcher plant toss, and water-saver signs!

Chattahoochee Nature Center / 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell, GA 30075 / (770) 992-2055 / http://www.chattnaturecenter.com

Bakugan Training Camp Sat., June 20 12pm-2pm
Visit Toys R Us for the Bakugan Training Camp. Learn how to use Bakugan Trap! Training, Battles, Prizes and Giveaways! More info at http://www.toysrus.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=3376105

only at the following Toys R Us, participating locations:
2601 H-1 Dawson Rd., Albany, GA 31707 / 3424 Wrightsboro Rd., Augusta, GA 30909 / 3480 Financial Center Way, Buford, GA, 30519 / 5555 Whittlessey Blvd., Columbus, GA 31907 / 501 Roberts Court, Kennesaw, GA 30144 / 7400 Abercorn St., Savannah, GA 31406 / 3000 Watson Blvd., Warner Robbins, GA 31093

Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Jr. June 20, 11:30am, 3pm, & 7pm & June 21, 2:30pm
Fayette Coweta Family Theatre's Summer Broadway Junior Production Camp presents the Disney classic~ Beauty and the Beast, Jr. Join all the beloved characters in this shortened version of the original Broadway show. Fabulous ticket prices of ONLY $5 by reservation and $7 at the door make this show perfect for all families with children. Shows will be presented at Christ's Church at Whitewater in the Youth Stage Room and seating is very limited, so making reservations is STRONGLY encouraged. To make reservations call 770-599-0051 or visit http://www.fcft.net/HomePage and click on the opening rose link. Don't miss this "Tale As Old As Time!"
Performance will be presented at Christ's Church at Whitewater at 1577 Hwy. 85 South, Fayetteville, Ga. 30215~ Please do not call Church for ticket information. Only call the theatre number listed.
Fayette-Coweta Family Theatre, Inc. / 177 Fulton Court, Peachtree City, GA 30269

Family Place to Play Open Daily - See website for details.
Inflatable playground for the whole family. Every Friday morning from 10am-12pm entry is only $4. This weekend they are celebrating their anniversary. $5 all day admission this Saturday and Sunday June 20 & 21.
Family Place to Play Fun Center / 160 Temple Avenue, Newnan, GA / www.familyplacetoplay.com/newnan/index.html

The Bridge Community Center Open Mon-Fri., 9am-6pm.
The Bridge is a Free Community Center with a gym, indoor walking track, cafe, game room with pool tables, video games, Wii, ping pong and more. Free wi-fi is also available.

The Bridge Community Center / 208 Willowbend Rd, (part of First Baptist Church of PTC), Peachtree City, GA 30269 / http://thebridge-cc.org

The Kids Spot
The Kids Spot offers classes and activities for children ages 0-9 years. Classes offered include: Mommy and Me Classes in Art, Music, Gym, Sign Language & Spanish; Tumbling and open gym play; Etiquette classes; and parents night out.
The Kids Spot / 63 Price Quarters Road, McDonough, GA 30253 / 678562-8550 / www.tks-atl.com

Junction Lanes Open Daily
Junction Lanes Family Entertainment Center offers bowling, glow golf (18 holes of indoor miniature golf), and an arcade. Check company website for hours and rates.

Junction Lanes Family Entertainment Center / 141 Newnan Station Drive, Newnan, GA 30265 / 770-683-2695 / http://www.junctionlanes.com

Crafty Critters - FREE - Saturdays, 10:30am & 11:30am
All ages. This is an arts and crafts program that highlights various artistic movements and trends as well as special days and holidays throughout the year. *To attend this program, you must select one of the two times listed above and either call or visit the Children's Room at Central Library in order to register in advance.*

Coweta Public Library - Central / 85 Literary Lane, Newnan, GA 30265 / (770)683-2052 / http://www.cowetapubliclibrary.org

FREE Story Time Tuesdays 10:30am-11am & Saturdays 10am - 10:30am
Kid's story time is held at Books A Million in Peachtree City each Tuesday and Saturday.

Books A Million / 258 City Circle, Peachtree City, GA 30269 / 770-632-1296 / http://www.booksamillion.com

High Museum's Saturday Studio Saturdays & Sundays, 1pm-4pm
Located in the museum's Greene Family Education Center. Activities ranging from three-dimensional sculptures to figural collages. Weekend Studio is offered each Saturday and Sunday. Free with museum admission.

High Museum of Art / 1280 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30309 / 404-733-5000 / www.high.org

Jump 2 It Teen Bounce Every Saturday, 7:30pm-10:30pm

Bounce promotes a safe, fun, and friendly environment for teens to play, jump, socialize and listen to music. For more information go to www.jump2itptc.com/teen. Ages: 11-15

Jump 2 It / 320 Dividend Drive, (Behind Atlanta City Church), Peachtree City, GA 30269 / 770-486-9228 / www.jump2itptc.com

Michael's Kid's Club Every Saturday, 10am-Noon

Kids ages 5-12 are invited to drop into Michael's every Saturday for a take home craft. Participants can join 30 minute sessions at 10am, 11am and 11:30am. All supplies are included. $2 per child.

No registration required. For more information, call one of the 3 locations in LocalKidFun.com area: Fayetteville (770) 461-6300, Newnan (770) 252-6223, and McDonough (678) 583-6361

Michael's / 27 Hudson Plaza, Hudson Plaza, Fayetteville, GA 30214 / 770-461-6300

Many Schools Offering Georgia Pre-K Program Currently Accepting Registrations for 2009/2010 School Year

If you are the parent of a child who is 4 or almost 4, now is the time to start looking into options for Georgia's Pre-K program held at many schools and childcare centers in the state. Children who turn 4 years of age on September 1, 2009 - August 31, 2010, whose parents are Georgia residents, are eligible to attend the Georgia Pre-K Program. Georgia Pre-K Program is voluntary for both families and communities.

Many public and private schools are currently accepting registrations for the free Georgia Pre-K program. It is a good idea to register at more than one school. Space is limited at each school and the demand is often high. The childcare centers typically offer Pre-K to current students and siblings first while public schools often give first priority to children who live within their zoning borders. Below I have a list of schools who offer the Georgia Pre-K in Fayette, Henry and Coweta counties with links to their sites where available.

It is important to find the school that is right for your child. Make sure you visit each school and get a level of comfort with the teachers and the classroom. I advise looking at the schools which are geographically closest to you first as bus service my not be available. Check the school's policies before you register. If you need after-care, it's important to know that not all schools offer after-care.

For more information on the GA Pre-K program go to the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning.

Fayette County Schools w/ GA Pre-K:

Adams' Little Peoples Complete Daycare, 547 E. Lanier Ave, Fayetteville, (770) 461-6613
Brooks Elementary, 119 Price Road, Brooks, (770) 719-8150
Crabapple Lane Elementary, 450 Crabapple Lane, Peachtree City, (770) 487-5425
Hood Avenue Elementary, 490 Hood Ave., Fayetteville, (770) 460-3560
Inman Road Elementary, 677 Inman Rd., Fayetteville, (770) 460-3565
Kids 'R Kids #14, 1241 Robinson Rd., Peachtree City, (770) 631-3400
Kids 'R Kids #39, 10 Lexington Pass, Peachtree City, (770) 631-3555
Kids 'R Kids #45, 95 Creekwood Trail, Fayetteville, (770) 719-9100
LaFayette Kid's World - Carnegie, 130 Carnegie Place, Fayetteville, (770) 461-7199
LaFayette Kid's World - Marquis, 125 Marquis Drive, Fayetteville, (770) 460-9149
LaFayette Kid's World - Tyrone, 115 Palmetto Rd., Tyrone, (770) 487-5567
North Fayette Elementary, 609 Kenwood Road, Fayetteville, (770) 460-3570
Oak Grove Elementary, 101 Crosstown Road, Peachtree City, (770) 631-3260
Peachtree City Elementary, 201 Wisdom Road, Peachtree City, (770) 631-3250
Primrose School of Peachtree City N. 400 Kedron Dr., Peachtree City, (770) 486-1404
RealKids Academy, 291 Jenkins Rd., Tyrone, (770) 969-7307
Robert J. Burch Elementary, 330 Jenkins Road, Tyrone, (770) 969-2820
Starr's Mill Academy Preschool and Childcare, 1361 Highway 74 South, Senoia, (770) 486-8399

Henry County Schools w/ GA Pre-K:

4 Ever Learning Academy, 689 Jonesboro Rd., McDonough, (678) 432-1809
Barrington Academy, 810 Flat Rock Road, Stockbridge, (770) 474-0772
Bright Star Learning Center @ Locust Grove, 655 Strickland Rd., Locust Grove, (770) 898-9500
Children's Friend #30, 1605 Highway 42 N., McDonough, (770) 954-1680
Concordia Early Learning & Preschool Academy, 5006 Hwy 155 N, Stockbridge, (770) 389-4668
Cornerstone Academy at Eagles Landing, 4075 Eastlake Pkwy, McDonough, (770) 957-3077
Cornerstone Academy of Lake Spivey, 700 Flippen Road, Stockbridge, (770) 474-5844
Discovery Point #32, 101 Monarch Village, Stockbridge, (678) 289-1005
Discovery Point at Stoney Brook, 94 Stoney Brook Way, McDonough, (678) 432-7029
Eagle's Landing P.R.E.P. School, 110 Northpark Trail, Stockbridge, (770) 389-9393
Eagles Landing Daycare and Learning Center, 420 Eagles Landing, Stockbridge, (770) 474-9301
Early Years, 1217 Leguin Mill Rd., Locust Grove, (770) 320-8220
East Lake Academy, Inc., 1924 Hwy. 155 North, McDonough, (770) 914-3811
Fairview Kids Academy, 2765 East Atlanta Rd., Ellenwood, (770) 474-1979
Frazier World, 171 Racetrack Rd., McDonough, (770) 957-7858
Hudson Bridge Day Care, 1801 Hudson Bridge, Stockbridge, (770) 389-0038
Jodeco Academy, 4250 Jodeco Road, McDonough, (770) 954-9353
Kids 'R' Kids #46, 1071 Jodeco Road Way, Stockbridge, (770) 389-1119
La Petite Academy - Fairview, 300 Fairview Rd., Ellenwood, (770) 474-1803
La Petite Academy - Highway 138 W, 925 Highway 138 W, Stockbridge, (770) 389-1003
Little House Academy, 2345 Mt. Carmel Rd, Hampton, (770) 707-1004
Locust Grove Academy, 84 Carter Lane, Locust Grove, (770) 898-4916
Luella Academy, 235 Walker Drive, McDonough, (770) 914-1933
McIntosh Trail ECDC, 217 Ridge St., Locust Grove, (770) 957-3524
Meadowbrook Learning Academy, 3198 Jodeco Road, McDonough, (770) 957-8365
My Child's Place, 432 Fairview Road, Stockbridge, (770) 474-2400
Superior Learning Academy, 99 City Square Blvd, McDonough, (770) 898-9817
The Sunshine House #64, 300 Eagles Pointe, Stockbridge, (770) 389-0856
The Sunshine House #68, 49 Woolsey Road, Hampton, (770) 210-7290
The Sunshine House #87, 1108 Bear Creek, Hampton, (770) 897-0603

Coweta County Schools w/ GA Pre-K:

Academy of Smiles, 80 Cypress Drive, Newnan, (770) 253-2147
All Stars Early Learning Center, 2493 East Highway, Newnan, (770) 252-5252
Arbor Springs Elementary, 4840 North Hwy 29, Newnan, (770) 463-5903
Arnco-Sargent, 2449 Highway 16 W, Newnan, (770) 254-2830
Bobby Welch Elementary, 240 Mary Freeman Rd., Newnan, (770) 254-2597
Bundles of Joy Achievement Center, 13 Saint John Circle, Newnan, (770) 253-6709
Canongate Elementary, 200 Petes Rd., Sharpsburg Local, (770) 463-8010
Carousel Early Learning Center, 127 Jefferson Street, Newnan, (770) 253-0806
Connie's Education Station, 2418 Highway 16, Newnan, (770) 251-1359
Discovery Point #28, 11 Market Square Rd, Newnan, (770) 252-2166
Discovery Point Child Development Center, 3052 Highway 154, Newnan, (770) 254-1880
Eastside Elementary, 1225 Eastside Schol, Senoia, (770) 599-6621
Grantville Elementary School, 5725 Highway 29, Grantville, (770) 583-2873
Jefferson Parkway School, 154 Farmer Industrial, Newnan, (770) 254-2771
Kids 'R Kids #37, 3025 Hwy 154 Bldg, Newnan, (770) 502-1777
Kids 4 Kompany Learning Academy, Inc., 615 Greison Trail, Newnan, (770) 502-9802
Moreland Elementary, 145 Railroad Street, Moreland, (770) 254-2875
Newnan Academy of Preschool & Child Care, 210 Jefferson Park, Newnan, (770) 253-6629
Newnan Crossing Elementary, 1267 Lower Fayette, Newnan, (770) 254-2872
Newnan Head Start, 80 East Newnan Rd., Newnan, (770) 253-0673
Poplar Road Elementary, 2925 Poplar Rd., Sharpsburg, (770) 254-2740
Senoia Kids Academy, 180 Village Cir., Senoia, (770) 599-4498
Thomas Crossroads, 3530 East Highway, Sharpsburg, (770) 254-2751
Wahoo Creek Academy, 161 Redwine Dr., Newnan, (770) 304-9897
Wee Steps Early Learning Academy, 2990 Poplar Road, Sharpsburg, (770) 252-8007
Western Elementary, 1730 Welcome Rd., Newnan, (770) 254-2790
White Oak Elementary, 770 Lora Smith Rd., Newnan, (770) 254-2860
Willis Road Elementary, 430 Willis Road, Sharpsburg, (770) 304-7995

Decorated Canine Disc Throwing Performer, Gail Mirabella, Shares Insights and Wisdom on Dogs, Kids, & Doing the Work You Love

Gail Mirabella entertains audiences of all ages with her fast paced and fun act, “Dynamo Flying Dogs”. She is currently touring with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The circus will be appearing from February 13^th through 22^nd at Phillips Arena in Atlanta.

In 2005, Gail – who had also worked full time for many years in the pharmaceutical industry – decided to leave her “day job” to focus on her dogs and her love of everything having to do with them. In addition to her many public appearances, she has been much in demand to teach courses in agility, obedience, disc and flyball. Gail Mirabella has garnered regional titles in canine disc competitions throughout the United States, and has won the right to attend several world finals and founded the New England based Yankee Flyers Dog and Disc Club, of which she remains president.

Gail was a member of the Purina^® Incredible Dog Team for five years, traveling the country sharing her expertise, giving demonstrations and entertaining crowds at sporting events, festivals and fairs as well as on television’s Today Show, Tonight Show and Late Night with David Letterman.

Candace Robichaux, owner of LocalKidFun.com had the chance to talk with Gail recently. Surrounded by her 12 dogs, many of whom she rescued from shelters, Gail spoke candidly about how she made the leap to working with her dogs full-time, tips on travelling with dogs, why dogs are important for kids and some quick training tips you can use at home.

Q: A few years ago you left your corporate job to pursue your passion for your dogs full-time. What made you finally decide to leave the security of your job and go join the circus?

A: I had been doing agility training and working dogs for a long time on a part-time basis. I’m always stressed about leaving my dogs when I have to go to out for a short time. I wonder what they are up to. When my mom passed away 10 years ago, I realized that life is too short to be stuck behind a desk all day. With the emotional support of my family, I decided to finally do what makes me happy. My family supported me because they know once I put my mind to something I get it done. At first I was planning on opening a dog training facility. I set myself up financially when I left my job and knew I could always go back to the corporate world if I had to. When you do make that leap, you will look back and ask yourself why you didn’t do it sooner. My advice to others: figure out what you are passionate about, secure yourself financially, then take the leap into doing what you love. You will never regret giving it a try.

Q: You have been traveling with your dogs to many different cities on your tour with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Can you give us some tips on traveling with pets?

I am first and foremost a firm believer of safety with the dogs. I currently have 12 dogs. I purchased a large cargo van and a crate for each dog. The crates are secured to the walls of the van and to each other. I can’t stress strongly enough how important it is to secure dogs in a crate or seatbelt while in the car. I’ve had 5 friends who were in terrible car accidents with their dogs and the dogs were killed. One person had a fender bender and their dog was killed because it was on his lap and the airbag crushed it. You wouldn’t put your two year old in a car without securing them. You should do the same for your dogs. It’s not just for the dog’s safety. You wouldn’t want a 30-50 lb projectile flying forward and then back into a child that might be in the car. Also, don’t ever let your dog stick their head out the window. I was a vet tech for 7 years and can recall many animals coming in with eye injuries due to something flying into their eye or a branch slicing their eye open. Safety is number one.

Q: Dogs thrive on routine. How have you managed to keep them on a schedule during your travels?

My dogs still eat twice a day, at the same time every day. They get let out often. I have kennels set up in my trailer and the dogs get fed in their crates. I also set up a yard outside my trailer at each location. If it’s warm out, I leave the door to the trailer open and they can come in and out as they please. I am sitting on the couch in my trailer surrounded by dogs right now. The key to keeping the dogs happy is trust. Dogs don’t stress out if they trust their owner or handler. Also, having multiple dogs helps. They keep each other entertained.

Q: Have your dogs ever disobeyed your command or made a big mistake during a performance? How did you get them back on track?

A: I do agility and Frisbee in the show. It’s very high paced and high energy, if they make a mistake it’s usually a handling error. I train the dogs by the American standards of dog training - teach them basic obedience first then the tricks like Flyball, Frisbee, agility, etc. I typically use herding breeds and a couple rat terriers in the act. When they make a mistake, it’s not the dog. They are out to please you. Their reward is the fun, catching the Frisbee is the reward. Recently one of the dogs missed a Frisbee because he looked down at a carrot left by a previous act. I never have trouble getting them back on track because they love it so much. When they miss, it’s no big deal, but when they catch a Frisbee, the crowd goes wild. The dogs look like they are having a blast and they are.

Q: How do you recognize what mood your dogs are in?

A: I can just tell if they start looking around, their ears go down, their tails drop, etc. I may already know about something that stresses out a particular dog from practice. I have one dog who stops whenever she sees a shadow. I never get mad at them. I figure out what I can do to keep them from stressing. I build them up & build them up with positive reinforcement until they are ready. I rescued one dog who had very little human contact. She was a basket case and I took her on as sort of a project. Now she performs in front of thousands of people and the music and lights. It took a long time, but we developed a very strong bond. I make it lots of fun for the dogs and use lots of positive reinforcement, lots of treats. If they start stressing out, I back off on that trick and go back to something they feel more comfortable with. One time I put a dog out there that just wasn’t ready, but I needed him as a backup. He didn’t perform all the tricks well, but he was out there jumping around and having fun and the crowd went wild anyway.

Q: Besides your dogs, what is your favorite animal or act performing in the circus?

I love the elephants. They are majestic, huge and able do things that you wouldn’t imagine like sitting upright on their hind legs. A neat trick they do during the act is when a couple of elephants lay down and smaller ones slide down them. It’s a lot of fun to watch and you can tell the elephants are happy, with their ears flapping. Backstage the elephants are calm and cool and each has its own personality. They are very intelligent. Sometimes I work with the elephant handlers to try to teach one of them to catch a Frisbee. There’s one who can catch a stick with his trunk. It would be cool to someday have the elephant throw a Frisbee and a dog catch it.

Q: My dog takes off every time we let her off the leash or gets out of the fenced back yard. What is your advice for handling this situation and what tips can you give other people when training their dog?

A: With this problem, I would go into a fenced area and begin working with your dog on recall. If you always use the word “come”, change it to something else. I use the word “here”, it sounds a lot more pleasant and higher pitched. A dog shouldn’t come on its name. Dogs should always look at you on its name. For example, call “Jake”, when the dog looks at you then throw a treat. If the dog crosses a busy street and you call their name you don’t want them running back across the street to you. Their name should cause them to pause, look at you and wait for the next command. For your treats, use something good like a piece of turkey hot dog or cut up string cheese. All positive reinforcement is the key. Then when you’re not in the fenced in area use a flexi lead and let them roam as far as they want. Then call their name and say “here”. When they come to you give them a treat. Eventually this may teach them to stay with you and listen to your recall commands. If they do take off, the best thing you can do is run in the opposite direction. Otherwise, it becomes a game for them and they think they have the pack following them.

Q: You entered your first junior dog competition when you were 10 years old. Why do you think dogs are so important to kids?

A: Dogs offer a bond. I had lots of friends, but there was something special about the bond with my dog that couldn’t be replaced. It made me mature and really helped with my self-esteem through my teenage years. I was seeing a psychologist when I was young because I had very low self esteem. The psychologist actually told my parents to buy me a dog of my own instead of just the family dog. For my 14th birthday I got a wolf hybrid named Timber. He lived for 14 years and even went to college with me. I had someone to talk to and cry to, someone always with me. It gave me self-worth, something relying on your for friendship. They are always happy to see you, never make fun of you, no matter what your hair looks like or if you have ugly shoes, the dog doesn’t care. Having a pet can give kids some direction. Another option is the local 4H clubs. Some 4H clubs have competitions at agriculture or state fairs. When I was doing Frisbee shows with my dogs independently at state fairs, I loved to see the 4H competitions. There would be a young child with a chicken that he groomed and trained. The pride in the child’s face was priceless.

The 1st Ever Summer Camp Expo Coming to Fayette County On Saturday, March 7, 2009

South Metro Atlanta parents will find it much easier and faster to choose a summer camp for their child in 2009 with the LocalKidFun.com Summer Camp Expo on March 7, 2009 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Fayette Family YMCA on Huiet Road in Fayetteville. The camp expo will provide busy parents with a one-stop resource for information regarding availability, daily activities, cost, and more of many summer camps, all conveniently assembled under one roof. “Many parents spend hours and hours calling around to area camps to find one that fits the needs of their child or children. Whether parents are looking for day camps, overnight camps, or camps with a special theme, parents will be able to talk directly with camp providers, compare camps, and register their child for the summer fun that fits the needs of their child” states LocalKidFun owner, Candace Robichaux. Parents are encouraged to bring the entire family to this free event where kids will enjoy playing in the LocalKidFun Zone, including inflatables from Shenanigans Toys, Inc. Parents not able to attend the event can go to http://www.LocalKidFun.com to find a comprehensive list of summer camp options in your local area. A portion of the exhibitors’ fees will be donated to Fayette Family YMCA’s Partner with Youth Program, which benefits neighborhood children and families with scholarships to nurturing programs, like YMCA’s summer day camp.

Camp providers interested in exhibiting at the Expo may go to http://www.localkidfun.com/CampExpo.php for exhibitor information or email sales@localkidfun.com .

LocalKidFun.com has been serving Fayette, Coweta and Henry counties since 2007, and provides on-line information to enhance the lives of families located in the southern counties of Atlanta. States owner, Candace Robichaux, “LocalKidFun.com unites local businesses with families by providing easy access to ideas, activities, sports, classes, and camps.”

Contact:
Candace Robichaux
Local Kid Fun
404-492-6465
candace@localkidfun.com
http://www.localkidfun.com

Children's Consignment Sales

It's time for many Seasonal Children's Consignment Sales. Consignment Sales are typically for one weekend only. They are a great place to shop for Fall/Winter clothing, find Halloween Costumes, get a head start on Christmas shopping, etc.

Starting this weekend, August 23, 2008 and continuing through mid-September, many seasonal consignment sales will take place. LocalKidFun.com has a list of consignment sales in the Fayette, Henry and Coweta County, GA on it's Consignment Page. You can also find the sales listed on LocalKidFun.com's Calendar Page.

If you have never shopped consignment, now may be the perfect time to try one out. We could all use a little extra cash in our pocket these days. Whether you're selling your items at the sale or buying clothes and toys for your kids at a fraction of their original cost, Seasonal Consignment Sales can help keep your wallet nice and thick. Kids grow out of their clothes and toys with the blink of an eye. Selling the clothes and toys that are clean and look almost unused is a great way to keep clutter out and make money for the new items your children will need. Most sales offer sellers and volunteers a preview shopping day. Often, the best items are sold in these preview days to other sellers who now need to replenish their growing child's wardrobe. Check each sale's website link or contact them to find out how to become a seller.

For shoppers, I found some great tips for consignment sale "newbies" at http://www.kidsconsignmentsales.com/sresources.htm. They give some clever ideas on how to best shop for clothes that will fit your child. This is important because sizes vary by brand and some clothing shrinks in the wash. They also recommend leaving children at home while you shop consigment. Great idea because these sales can get crowded and it is hard to keep an eye on wandering little ones while you shop. Many sales ask you to leave strollers at home.

One tip I would add is to make a list of what you need before you leave your house. These sales are often held in large venues and there are many items for sale. You can easily get overwhelmed and impulse shop. I learned that the hard way. I felt great one time leaving a sale because I found a bunch of adorable and inexpensive shirts for my child. The problem was, my child already had a lot of shirts in that size. The shirt drawer ended up being over-stuffed and I didn't have many pants, shorts, etc. that matched the shirts.

Good luck to all who will be selling and buying over the next few weekends. Happy bargain hunting! Oh, and when you are checking out please be sure to mention that you found out about the sale on LocalKidFun.com.

Welcome to the LocalKidFun.com Blog

This is my very first blog. Finally! My husband has been blogging for at least 6 years so I really have no excuse for waiting so long.

I guess the best way to start your blog is to tell people what you will be writing about. This blog will contain updates about me and my family which may not be that interesting to people, but I'll try to keep it interesting and real. I also may have some information related to LocalKidFun.com, although this is not a commercial for any of the business or places listed on there. (sign up for LKF's newsletter if you want to see things only related to LocalKidFun.com) I'm also a bit of a nerd about careers, finding work, resumes etc. since I used to be a recruiter. I try to keep up with the latest trends in that area and may pass some of that along.

So, I hope you'll read and enjoy.