Giggling and clad in matching sequined tops, 6-year-old Taylor and 4-year-old Layla Stiltenpole stood near a display of live butterflies.
The pair were wrapping up a tour of the KidDilly Expo at the Electric City Plaza in Scranton with their grandmother, Eileen Stiltenpole. Kids, parents and families enjoyed a petting zoo, summer camp information, a pony, balloon animals, bounce houses and business displays set up around the room.
"I think it's good for local businesses to get out in the community," Mrs. Stiltenpole said.
It was the fifth year for the event, said Allison Wasko, vice president of Kiddilly.com. "It is a great way for families to get information in a fun and festive atmosphere," she said.
This year, the event added a mini golf area and included Dr. Seuss readings as part of Read Across America.
"It's the unofficial kickoff to good times and good weather," Ms. Wasko said with a smile.
Just outside the expo, Lynn Silvestrini manned a baked sale stand. A photo of a smiling Trista R. Bruch, 7, posted next to the table explained that the funds raised would support the Bruch family after a fire destroyed their home and claimed Trista's life last month.
"It does impact you even if you don't know the person," said Ms. Silvestrini, whose son is in second grade at Jefferson Elementary School, where Trista attended. "You just feel like you have to help out because such it's such a small, tight-knit community."
Outside Electric City Plaza, Lt. Leonard Namiotka and Patrolman Anthony Gieda endured a chilly day, talking to parents about properly installing car seats.
About two dozen cars had stopped by and three of the six inspected needed to have seats reinstalled.
"Safety is our primary goal for children," he said.
Officers take a weeklong course to learn about different models of cars and seats, from a Dodge Dart to a Ferrari, he explained. The officers also shared a list of recalled seats and suggested reading both the vehicle and seat manuals to ensure the safest situation for children.
"Just because your kid is in a seat doesn't mean it's the right way," Lt. Namiotka said.
Contact the writer: rbrown@timesshamrock.com, @rbrownTT on Twitter