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Swagga T
Preparations for the inaugural kids expo in December are at an advanced stage. The expo dubbed “Rainbow Splash – The Hottest Chill”, will run from December 6-8 at Prince Edward School with children from 0-19 years participating. Some of the major highlights of the expo, which has been described as kaleidoscopic summer break, are amusement park, animal farm and giant puppets. In an interview with Cool Lifestyle, event directors Kristle Smasher and Nyarai Mwoyofiri said this is an expo centred on children.

“We are delighted that our vision is coming through. We want to accommodate every kid and we have already booked the venue and we are putting final touches though it’s two months down the line,” said Smasher.

She said the reason for choosing Rainbow Splash as the theme is because many kids love rainbows. The colours of a rainbow are light, fresh and happy and since they are so rare, they elicit a sense of awe and delight in addition to bringing the promise of sunshine with the blue sky usually on the horizon. Many kids love the rainbow because of that and by using a rainbow as a guide, you can ensure that kids have a deeper meaning and clearer picture of what will be happening,” said Smasher.

She said a lot of activities are lined up to cater for children.
“We have pony rides, go-karts, giant jumping castles coming from South Africa and Zambia. We want the children to have fun since it will be a holiday hence an early Christmas present to them,” she said.

Smasher said the expo will close with fireworks and the first ever children’s awards.
“We are also happy that we have co-joined with Cool Lifestyle and a lot of fireworks are expected.

“We want to award children who had an impact this year, who managed to develop themselves and are now role models,” she said.
She said they are also working hand in hand with children celebrities and they have branded some of them as Rainbow Splash ambassadors.
“It is going to be fun and parents should come along and witness the grand occasion.

“We are doing a photo shoot next Wednesday and some top local teen celebrities from music, dance to fashion are set to excel on that,” she said.
Smasher said a campaign is to be launched next week again on Rainbow Splash.

“This is their UNWTO-like,” she jokingly said.
Mwoyofiri added that the expo will also serve as platform for children to showcase their talents.
“We have some renowned captains of industry who will use this opportunity to educate and empower children. Yes, they will have fun but education comes first,” she said.

Mwoyofiri said they want to invite an international artiste who is most loved by children.
“So far so good. We have a notable number of local artistes who are set to grace the event, who are loved by children.

“We are planning to bring South African actor Leon Schuster of ‘Mr Bones’ fame and maybe someone from Disneyland,” she explained.
She said exhibitors are free to come but they have to book in advance.
“We have set aside the closing dates for exhibitors which is October end henceforth they should have a relevance in children,” she said.

Mwoyofiri said a lot of sponsors have chipped in and there is still room for some corporates who want to partner with them.
“I can’t disclose now the list of sponsors but what I can say is that I urge the corporate world to come and support children.

“This is the first time we have such initiatives. Rome wasn’t built in a day so let us rally behind one another,” she said.
Mwoyofiri said it is different from the Harare Agricultural Show as children will be at the forefront. “From the master of ceremony to activities lined up, children will take centre stage,” she said.