The Avila Beach Children’s Business Fair was a free-to-attend event on October 11 in the garden area of the Avila Beach Community Center, where children ages 6-17 brought their ideas to life. The children there can make inventions, food, and art. The purpose is to introduce kids to entrepreneurship.
“I think it’s good helping kids learn business, it also teaches them a sense of money and how to earn money.” Hunter McKiernan said.
The event isn’t limited to California, but has been hosted in 766 cities across the nation, including Avila, where Kristen McKiernan has hosted it. alongside her husband, Chris McKiernan, who takes pictures of the event for the website and video.
“I first heard about it on a kids’ national radio and loved the idea. I signed up to host it in Avilla to teach kids business and money skills.” Kristen McKiernan said.
A look into this delicately arranged exhibition reveals its long history. It was started back in Austin, Texas, in 2007 by a couple, Jeff and Laura Sandefer, and some family friends who wanted their children to experience hard work. The website shows that there have been 4,068 fairs, and 91,143 children have participated in the event.
“The first year we had 25 booths, now we have about 75 booths this year,” Kristen McKiernan said.
This year’s festival featured 72 booths, and at the end, three winners for each of the four age groups will be carefully chosen by four judges who will vote on the most original idea, the highest business potential, and the booth with the best presentation and creativity in its design.
“We plan to host it for many more years, but plan to find someone to hand it off to to keep it going,” Chris McKiernan said.
The rules for the fair, from start to finish, are simple: kids must set up everything in their booths and advertisements by themselves. This means that if parents help at any time, they could get disqualified to keep things fair.
“This year, my daughter Hazel has done something new. This year she’s doing shell sculptures and vanilla syrup; she usually does it with some of her pals.” Chris McKierien said.
At the beginning, attendees will receive free popcorn and water, but the children themselves will sell the majority of the food, ranging from lemonade to cupcakes and bread.
“It helps build confidence and teaches people skills.” Jerroed Bumanlag said.
The event concluded with many children from various age groups receiving prizes, which included a trophy and a $50 cash award to keep. If they were in groups, the money was split among them.
