Mom Fest event this weekend

Parents have the option of a one-stop shop for information about things to do with and for their children at the fourth annual Mom Fest.

"Mom Fest is a festival that is designed to support Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) at Jacksonville Bible Church. It's designed to be informational to let families know what's available in Jacksonville," organizer Beth Witman said.

The money raised at the event will go toward keeping MOPS running at Jacksonville Bible Church, located in downtown.

Mom Fest, which will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, began when the group of pre-school moms saw festivals in Jacksonville but not one that specifically caters to moms and families.

"(We) thought it was a good way to spread the word of our mothers of preschoolers group," Witman said.

Mothers of Preschoolers is a national nonprofit organization that supports mothers with young children.

Typically, Mom Fest sees 30 to 40 vendors ranging from crafters with cloth diapers and baby dresses to Mary Kay and scrap bookers. Social Services, WIC, Onslow County Public Library and Smart Start are some of the vendors who will be present.

Last year, Mom Fest drew a crowd of about 500 people.

"There's a lot to do in Jacksonville and it's a great way to find out what there is to do," Witman said.

Parents are also able to have a free car seat safety check done and free Child ID Kits made.

"A lot of car seats have
recalls (and some) are not installed properly. So the car seat check will look specifically at your car seat and make sure it's installed properly. The Child ID Kits are packets of information with their picture and information in case anything ever happened," said Witman.

The Mothers of Preschoolers group will also offer a chance for parents to register for the group.

The group is "a community group that helps mothers grow as leaders and moms," Witman said.

The moms talk about how to get their children to eat healthier, how to exercise with them, finances and family interaction - like how to survive Christmas. They also embark on adventures, like spa days. MOPS is open to moms with children ages 5 and under, Witman said.

Currently, local MOPS groups are located at Jacksonville Bible Church, River of Life Church and The Potters House Church in Jacksonville. MOPS is also located at Cape Carteret Baptist Church in Swansboro.

Mom Fest is still seeking vendors as well, Witman said.

Non-profits and government organizations are able to secure a table for free, while businesses can reserve a table for $25 in addition to a $15 to $20 item donation to Mothers of Preschoolers. Tables will be provided upon request for $5, according to the Mom Fest flyer.

In order to register, e-mail jacksonvillemops@yahoo.com with information and pay registration on PayPal to marinefamily5@juno.com or send a check payable to Jacksonville Bible Church with information to Jacksonville Bible Church attn: MOPS at 501 Anne Street in Jacksonville.

Contact Jacksonville/Onslow County reporter Amanda Hickey at ahickey@freedomenc.com or 910-219-8461. Visit www.jdnews.com to comment on this report.