10/16/2022
Saturday's 2nd Annual Avila Beach Children's Business Fair was a tremendous success! Children from all around the Central Coast came together to display and sell their wonderful and innovative products to a crowd of shoppers. There were over 65 children and 37 booths selling everything from seaglass art and jewelry, homemade dog treats, slime, organic cotton candy, surprise soaps to a 12 year old young author selling her first published book.
The fair was held on October 15th from 10am - 1pm at the Avila Beach Community Center, which is one of the event sponsors who gratiously donated the venue. Award trophies and cash prizes were handed out to 15 child business owners in the age categories 6-7, 8-10, 11-13, and 14-17 for
Most Original Business Idea
Highest Business Potential
Best Presentation
Judges Choice
A huge thank you to judges Mary Matakovich, Board member of the Avila Beach Civic Association, Rick Cohen, Executive Director, Avila Beach Community Foundation and Jessa Lebed, 6th grade student, Bellevue Santa Fe Charter School for donating their time and really making the judging process interactive and fun for everyone. The judges stopped by each booth and asked the sellers questions about their products, brand strategy and business potential. All participating children received a Certificate of Recognition hand signed by all five San Luis Obispo County Supervisors. Thank you to Dawn Ortiz-Legg, County of San Luis Obispo, Board of Supervisors, District 3 and her Legal Assistant, District 3 Sarah Sartain for helping with the certificate process.
Congratulations to retired educators Annette & Richard Pascual for winning the raffle basket donated by Central Coast State Parks Association! They loved it!
The feedback from parents, children and community events has been overwhelmingly positive. One event attendee sent a follow up email stating: "We would like to thank you, your family and your committee for organizing such a wonderful event. We were very impressed with the children and their products. We love the idea and all of the participants did an excellent job promoting their brands."
Event Organizer and Host Kristen McKiernan stated:
"This event truly makes my soul happy. It takes a lot of work and planning but it is for all the right reasons. This event brings kids, families and community together. All of which we can use alot more of, especially these days. I am so proud of all of the children that put so much effort and hard work into creating and showcasing their products. They were so proud to show it all of and sell it. They made some good money too! They are the real heros. I am already getting requests on when the next event will be, so stay tuned for announcements about the 3rd annual Avila Beach Children's Businss Fair in October of 2023 coming soon. I truly could not do this without the support of my family, friends, community and event sponsors. I am extremely thankful; it's takes a village and we have a good one!" - Kristen McKiernan, Event Host and Organizer.
See attached for some photos of yesterday's event. Great job to all!
