Mar. 17—CANTON — The St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Kids' Expo at SUNY Canton's Roo House brought together parents, children, service providers, and vendors for a day of activities and information sharing.
The day included play zones, demonstrations, vendors, and unique interactive entertainment. Experts and representatives were there to share resources and information on area opportunities for families, from health care to after-school activities to regional attractions.
Michael Doyle of Clayton had a large booth festooned with anime-like characters from his seven-book series, "James's Ragtag Adventures in Questworld."
The books are in the style of isekai, a genre of Japanese media in which a character is suddenly transported from their world into a new or unfamiliar one.
"They're about a bunch of kids who wake up in a different world," he said. "And they get into trouble as they try to get out."
The world the heroes get transported to, Doyle said, is a video game.
Doyle is an avid gamer who doesn't get to play as much as he used to since becoming a father. He also plays guitar and produces the music of others.
He markets his self-published books for middle-grade kids, eight and up, at events like the Kids' Expo and online.
He said he is looking forward to the Watertown Comicon this summer.
His books can be found at mdoylebooks.com.
Brandon S. Rodriguez, a senior at SUNY Potsdam, was representing his business, Capture Culture Party Rentals.
He started the business with a few inflatable entertainments last summer and commuted on weekends from downstate, where he was working for a large non-profit.
"I made more on the weekends than at my full-time job," he said.
He said The business expanded quickly and he is focused on getting more exposure this year.
The secret to his expansion is the easy online booking software he built himself.
In addition to the inflatables, he has tents, dancefloors, tables and chairs available.
Capture Culture's inventory and booking portal are located at captureculturepartyrentals.com.
Rodriguez will graduate in May with a degree in sociology.
Ashley Campbell talked to parents and kids about connecting learning with nature at her newly licensed Trout and Heron land-based independent school.
The school will open in the fall with kindergarten to second-grade students.
Campbell said the school is approved through 5th grade. She plans to add students in lower grades as the school expands.
Trout and Heron is in West Potsdam, "surrounded by glacial rocks, evergreens and coniferous trees — and a creek that runs through."