Kidz Expo returns Saturday

Sunday, January 1, 1905

photo Laura Marano will join co-star Ross Lynch from Disney Channel's "Austin & Ally" to headline the Chattanooga Times Free Press Kidz Expo on Saturday at the Chattanooga Convention Center.

IF YOU GOWhat: Times Free Press Kidz ExpoWhen: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, April 20Where: Chattanooga Con-vention Center, 1150 Carter St.Admission: $7 per ticket, $25 family four-pack; free for children under 3Phone: 423-757-6308, 423-757-6914Website: www.timesfreepress.com/site/kidzexpo/2013Note: Tickets may be purchased at the door or bought online, printed at home and brought to the sitePHOTOS WITH "AUSTIN & ALLY" STARSRoss Lynch and Laura Marano: 12:30-3 p.m. To avoid long lines, cards will be given out listing a time for fans to return for their photo. Because the number of photo slots is limited, cards will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 11 a.m.PHOTOS WITH COSTUMED CHARACTERSDora the Explorer: 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m.SpongeBob SquarePants: Noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m.Storm Troopers, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Word Girl, Super Why: Throughout the day

Celebrity guests. Cartoon icons. Puppets. Inflatables. Cupcakes.

Those are just five of the draws for the 2013 Kidz Expo.

And the list goes on.

Beauty queens. Dance troupes. Magic shows. Tourist attractions.

The expo, now in its second year and sponsored by the Chattanooga Times Free Press, promises pint-size guests some big-time fun.

Events get under way at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 20, at the Chattanooga Convention Center, where exhibit halls will be filled with more than 120 vendor booths showcasing products and services important to kids and families -- everything from medical and dental care to summer camps to martial arts.

Celebrity guests are Ross Lynch and Laura Marano, stars of the Disney series "Austin & Ally."

Kids will be entertained all day with an array of nonstop activities in several fun zones. Parents will find resources for creating healthy, happy families. Many vendors will offer giveaways, and door prizes will be awarded.

Entertainment is geared to kids of all ages, from babies and toddlers to tweens and teens.

The fun lasts through 7 p.m., and families are welcome to leave the expo and return at any time while wearing the provided wristbands.

Cash and all major credit cards are accepted for ticket sales. ATMs provided by Trust Federal Credit Union in the exhibit hall will not assess fees during the event.

SCHEDULE

IMAGINATION STAGE

• 11:30 a.m. Dance Extravaganza by TADA Dance Studio

• Noon. Maggie Belew, Miss UT-Knoxville

• 12:30 p.m. Go Active & Magic with Ronald McDonald

• 1 p.m. Amy Flynn, Miss Scenic City

• 1:30 p.m. Go Active with Ronald McDonald

• 2 p.m. Dance Extravaganza by TADA Dance Studio

• 2:30 p.m. Jill Brooks, Miss Nashville

• 3 p.m. Chattanooga's Kids on the Block

• 3:30 p.m. Juice +

• 4 p.m. Healthy Baby Contest winners

• 4:30 p.m. Magic with Ronald McDonald

• 5 p.m. Shelby Thompson, Miss Capital City

AMUSEMENT STAGE

• 11:45 a.m. Elizabeth Oliphint, Miss Music City

• 12:15 p.m. Robert Jones' Comedy & Illusion Show

• 12:45 p.m. Chattanooga's Kids on the Block

• 1:15 p.m. Tennessee Aquarium

• 1:45 p.m. Robert Jones' Comedy & Illusion Show

• 2:15 p.m. Dacey Winkleman, Miss Chattanooga

• 2:45 p.m. Robert Jones' Comedy & Illusion Show

• 3:15 p.m. Rachel Turner, Miss Knoxville

• 3:45 p.m. Pig Tails & Crew Cuts

• 4:15 p.m. Kids on the Block

• 4:45 p.m. Tennessee Aquarium

• 5:15 p.m. Dance Extravaganza by TADA Dance Studio