While Mom and Dad peruse the latest products, technology, and gadgets for home and garden inside the Ridge Meadows Home Show, outside Family Fest is what keeps kids entertained.
Norden the Magician is in his 14th year with the festival, serving as the master of ceremonies of Family Fest.
He brings his magic shows that captivates kids, accompanied by a banter that gives a chuckle to moms and dads.
“It’s one of my favourite weekends,” said Norden of home show. “It’s the kickoff – it’s the first show of the year, and it’s like family.”
His Zany Zoo Puppet Show, with his new Danger Dan character, is one of many highlights on the stage at Family Fest.
Blue Crane Contortion of Maple Ridge will have local performers who literally bend over backward to wow a crowd.
Also on the stage will be Bonnie Kilroe’s Through the Decades. She brings celebrity imposter performances that mimic Cher, Dolly, Tina Turner, Pat Benatar, and many more.
Miss Shauna is a singer-songwriter who brings intimate acoustic sets and high-energy performances. She has a signature style that blends soulful vocals, rich storytelling, and undeniable stage presence.
There will be dog agility demos, performers from West Coast Circus, the latest from local celebrity dancers Tyson and Dakota, and much more.
Shooting Star Amusements is back, too, with midway rides like Zero Gravity, the Lightening Bolt, and the kids Go Gator Coaster. They also have a variety of games with an enormous assortment of big stuffed animals to be won.
They will be offering all-day ride passes, and wristbands are $30 when purchased online by April 30. See Shootingstar.ca.
The Monster Foam Party is always a hit with the kids – a giant cannon that shoots sudsy bubbles through the air, and that pile up neck deep on a preschooler.
The effect of the flying foam on kids is intoxicating, said Norden.
“You just turn the cannon on, play some music, and the kids go nuts.”
There will also be the Mobile Wizards Escape Room back again. The live-action adventure game sees families discover clues, solve puzzles and break out.
Family Fest sponsor Haney Builders Supplies brings its annual Bring Back Play sandbox.
There will be a craft tent, balloon artist Mackenzie Widdows, an outdoor market, and much more. There will be facepainting by donation, with all proceeds to the Ridge Meadows Family Festival Society.
Family Fest runs Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There will be a new nine-hole mini golf course, and proprietor Jason Faria said it was recently made and is bright and colourful, with a classic windmill and some other features.
Faria said the 15-minute golf course is just one more new attraction out of the many at the 2026 Family Fest.
“It’s not just a home show, but a family experience,” said Faria.
The show runs from 4 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 1; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 2; and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, at 23588 Jim Robson Way, Maple Ridge.
Tickets for the inside trade show are $5 and $8 per family.
Entry to the Family Fest is free.
Parking is also free with a shuttle running from the overflow parking area at the Albion Sports Complex.
For more information go to www.ridgemeadowshomeshow.com.