Ali Berman can't wait to meet Prince George for the first time. She is the primary organizer of TeenFest, a national initiative she created a few years ago that now has events all across Canada and is coming this weekend for the first time.
TeenFest is a trade show of all things youth. It has exhibitors offering products, employment opportunities, classes and services for young people.
It also has a surrounding circle of recreation, sports, entertainment and activities, also tailored for the young people of the area.
"The favourite part for me, personally, is meeting everybody in the community," said Berman who bases her TeenFest Canada company out of Victoria.
"I love meeting the exhibitors and the attendees, and I love getting to know a new community. I arrange the sponsors and exhibitors long-distance, but I come in person to be there and enjoy the event alongside everyone else. I greet people at the door. I'm seeing what you're seeing when you come to take it all in."
She is getting to see Canada grow up, she said.
Since TeenFest is typically an annual event in each of its communities, she gets to meet a lot of the same young people year after year - even in big, impersonal cities there are individuals who stand out - and see them develop.
TeenFest is free to attend, so there are no barriers for kids or entire families to come have fun.
"I love seeing the youth engage, interact with the exhibitors, the teen talent showcase always blows me away with all the amazing things young people can do, I just love being a part of something that gives teens a chance to shine, and be themselves, and stay all day being active and making connections," Berman said.
TeenFest happens Saturday at the Prince George Civic Centre.
The place will be divided into key areas: Health & Wellness, Fashion & Beauty, Life & Education, Careers, Technology & Gaming, and Cool Stuff.
It is open to people of any age, so parents, siblings, grandparents, friends can all attend.
The Civic Centre is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and it is free to attend.
