Victoria Justice plays Tori Vega in "Victorious" on Nickelodeon. Justice is the featured guest at the inaugural Kidz Expo on Saturday.
Photo by NickelodeonIF YOU GOWhat: Kidz Expo.When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday.Where: Chattanooga Convention Center, 1150 Carter St.Admission: $7 general admission; $25 family four-pack; free for ages 3 and younger.Phone: 757-6914.Website: www.timesfree press.com/kidzexpo.
CHARACTER PHOTO SCHEDULEMore than a dozen costumed characters will be roaming the hall and are scheduled for 30-minute photo sessions throughout the day.11-11:30 a.m. Miss Tennessee contestants11:30-noon. Tennessee Aquarium penguin Genni GentooNoon-1 p.m. SpongeBob SquarePants1-1:30 p.m. The Cat in the Hat1:30-2 p.m. Ronald McDonald2-3 p.m. Freddie Falcon3-4 p.m. Dora the Explorer4-4:30 p.m. Curious George4:30-5:30 p.m. T-Rac5:30-6 p.m. Clifford the Big Red Dog6-6:30 p.m. Coca-Cola Polar BearVICTORIA JUSTICE3-4 p.m. Fan photo session4:15-4:45 p.m. Q&A
The exhibit halls of the Chattanooga Convention Center will transform into a giant play land Saturday for the first Kidz Expo, presented by the Chattanooga Times Free Press.
The first 500 kids through the door will receive a free backpack, but the goodies don't stop there. Erlanger, McDonald's, the YMCA and the Tennessee Aquarium are among the organizations passing out freebies.
In addition, there will be health screenings, karate demonstrations, dancing and information on summer camps at more than 100 exhibit booths. Many will have drawings for prizes at the end of the day, such as the chance to win an iPad from Associates in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Drawings will take place at 6:30 p.m.
While there is plenty to see and do, it's still a day for play. The space will be divided into three zones with activities geared to certain age groups.
Zone 1, for tots, includes a diaper derby at 1 p.m. (registration starts at noon), a play area and sessions on baby sign language starting at 2 p.m.
Zone 2, for kids, features balloon animals, a magician and airbrush tattoos.
Zone 3, for tweens, offers such challenges as a climbing wall and mobile video games.
Inflatables will be part of the fun no matter what age the child is.
The star of the day will be Victoria Justice, star of Nickelodeon's "Victorious." She will be available for photos during the afternoon and interact with the audience during a Q&A session to follow.
Fans may want to ask the 19-year-old actress and singer about her first concert tour this summer, her work on her first solo album or her big-screen debut in the feature comedy "Fun Size," scheduled for release on Oct. 26.
Tickets are on sale in advance at www.timesfreepress.com/kidzexpo (note the "z" in kidz) and at any Chattanooga-area McDonald's. They may be purchased at the door on Saturday.