There was something for everybody at Saturday's Tummy and Tots expo Photo/Stephen Parker
Rotorua's third Tummy and Tots expo proved to be a big hit among new and expectant parents who were lining up outside before the doors even opened.
The expo, a yearly event featuring workshops, entertainment, shopping and free samples, was held at Rotorua's Distinction Hotel on Saturday.
Parents crowded a variety of stalls relating to pregnancy and children under 5, while children happily ran around making the most of the day's entertainment.
One exhibitor, Jenny Chapman, believed there would have been "at least a couple thousand" people walk through the doors.
"I've never seen so many pregnant bellies in one place before. It was really good, there was a great, positive vibe among parents and exhibitors.
"She was there from 8.30am to 6pm and she was playing the whole time, she was loving it."
Event organiser Alia Ryan, who was there with her 3-year-old daughter Zoe and 1-year-old son Vincent, said the best part of the day was seeing people lined up outside before the doorsopened.
"We were worried about the weather, but the expo has been something good to bring the kids along to, because it's all indoors anyway," she said.
With a bubble machine, a bouncy castle, a parents room and a dad's corner, hosted by Hauraki, there really was something for the whole family.
"It really is a family event, the stallholders bring their families down too," Mrs Ryan said.
"It's an awesome mix of exhibitors and everyone has really enjoyed it."
The expo had about 50 exhibitors this year and was "definitely getting bigger," she said.
"So many of our exhibitors are parents as well, it's just normal and natural for us."
Local photographer Katie Hoy said it was empowering being with other mums who also had their own businesses.
"It's awesome meeting new people, outside of the regular kindy or school circle," she said.