The 12th Wichita Women’s Fair Feb. 12-14 at Century II will feature the return of the popular Fitness Challenge as well as workshops, live music, wine and food sampling, dance and fitness demonstrations, and fashion and hair shows – in addition to 385 exhibits, information from experts on an array of topics from health issues to financial planning, and the region’s best shopping under one roof.
The first 300 women when the fair opens at noon on Friday will receive an Ann Taylor tote bag sponsored by Dress For Success Wichita. That afternoon a free business workshop will be from 1:30 to 3 p.m. and that evening, Ladies Night Out will feature cooking and dance demos, wine sampling, fashion and hair shows, and shopping.
Workshops focus on business, getting the most out of life
A free business workshop led by nationally known trainer, speaker, author and business owner Dr. Tameka Bryant will be 1:30 to 3 p.m. Friday on the Main Stage.
Using the theme “Playing the Cards You Are Dealt,” Dr. Bryant will provide strategies and motivation to deal with the current uncertain times. The creative and interactive session will look at “knowing when to hold them and when to fold them” as well as finding the power within to become the dealer and how to ante up through networking. She’ll also discuss playing a full hand (balancing work, home and family) and how to stack the odds in your favor through 10 tips for doubling your business in 12 months.
A native of the South Bronx, Dr. Bryant wasn’t dealt very good cards herself. Though she was raised by drug-addicted parents, she was able to climb the corporate ladder and became a successful business owner, trainer and motivational speaker.
Dina Dove, business owner and author of “The Baglady’s Guide to Elegant Living,” will present an inspirational talk at 1 p.m. Saturday on the Main Stage. Entitled “Waking Up to Your Amazing Life,” the author will discuss how women can find their unique path to living a fulfilling life.
Sponsored by Hansa Center for Optimum Health as a benefit for Dress for Success Wichita, proceeds from sales of Dove’s books will go to the nonprofit organization. She’ll be selling books and signing autographs following her presentation at Booth L-2 and 3.
Dove knew what it took to succeed: She had started successful design and manufacturing businesses and had been named Kansas Manufacturer of the Year in 1988. Though she had been a successful businesswoman and entrepreneur for almost 20 years, when Dove turned 41 she faced an uncertain future: she was newly divorced, had no job and was deeply in debt. She discovered a new way of looking at the world and then decided to share her experiences in “The Baglady’s Guide” and as a life coach, inspirational speaker and author.
Fitness Challenge 2010
Back by popular demand is the third annual Women’s Fair Fitness Challenge sponsored by Genesis Health Clubs. Participants will have a chance to win $4,000 in cash and prizes, with $2,000 in cash going to the winning team.
Teams of four can register at the Women’s Fair for the six-week competition, which has been designed to help women adopt a healthier lifestyle and make better choices about exercise and nutrition – and have fun while doing it. Participants receive a free six-week Genesis membership at any of the five locations. This includes use of the health club, nutrition classes and specialty fitness classes such as Zumba Fitness, TurboKick and Boot Camp.
The competition is open to anyone over age 18 who is a resident of Wichita, Hutchinson or the surrounding area. Teams will earn points in a variety of areas, including weight loss, body-fat ratio improvement, workouts and eating healthy. Team members don’t have to go as a group to work out, only to the initial weigh-in and at the conclusion.
Country concert features Blaine Larsen
The Kissin’ Country Concert will kick-off with the talented Blaine Larsen at 6 p.m. Saturday on the Main Stage. Only 23, the talented artist just released his third album, Not Too Bad, and the single “It Did” is already climbing the country charts.
Inspired by George Strait’s music, Larsen bought his first guitar at the age of 13 and had had his first recording session in Nashville at the age of 15. Larsen was greatly moved last year when Strait included a song he had co-written, “I Gotta Get to You,” on his new release, Twang.
The Washington state native strives to write and perform music that will never go out of style. His major label debut, Off to Join the World, was released in early 2005, and a year later, he issued “Rockin' You Tonight.” His tours with Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts and Kenny Chesney have put him in front of country music's biggest audiences in the past few years.
Fashion, hair shows feature latest trends
Models and Images is coordinating two different fashion shows each day of the fair on the Main Stage: Friday at 3:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m.; Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.; and Sunday at noon and 1 p.m.
Retailers providing fashions include: Designer Inspired Women’s Accessories, Gently Loved Furs, High Street, Love It, Mane Street Style and Boutique, Pathfinders, Specs, The Secret Boutique, Tonia’s Shoe Corner, Giggly Girls, Jockey Person to Person, The Bag Ladies and Beehive Salon and Boutique.
The Eric Fisher Salon and Cosmetic Café will again offer haircuts, styles, cosmetic makeovers and consultations all three days for a $20 donation to benefit the Mid-Kansas Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The Eric Fisher Academy Future Professionals will provide complimentary hair styling lessons, makeup touch ups and mini spa treatments.
The nationally acclaimed stylist and owner of the Eric Fisher Salon and the Cosmetic Café, as well as a new location in Derby and the Eric Fisher Academy, will present Trends 2010 Hair Show at 5:30 p.m. Friday. At noon on Saturday on the Main Stage, the Eric Fisher Academy will present A New You in Twenty-Ten!
Paul Mitchell’s Hair Raid Show will be presented by Paul Mitchell the School at 4 p.m. Saturday, and Xenon International Academy will present a runway-inspired hair show at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.
The Models and Images International Model Search again will be featured on the Main Stage on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. The $25 registration fee includes a mini-modeling course on Feb. 11 and two passes to the Women’s Fair to admit the contestant and one guest. For details and to register, call 612-9070 or visit www.modelsandimages.com.
Carrie Trieschman founder of Image Works will present two sessions on coordinating tops and bottoms that flatter and give the perfect look at 1 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday on the Creative Stage.
What’s Cooking at 2010 Women’s Fair
Whether you’re looking for fast, nutritious or decadent cooking ideas, Wichita chefs and gourmands will prepare and share their recipes and tips for appetizers, main dishes and desserts. In addition to cooking demonstrations, attendees can sample and shop for unique gourmet foods, cooking utensils and gadgets at the MarketPlace, which brings together vendors from across the region.
On the Cooking Stage, Guy Bower, host of “The Good Life” on KNSS Newsradio 1330, will share his vast knowledge of wine at 5 p.m.
On Saturday at 11 a.m., Sue Chef and the Food God (aka former Wichita Eagle food editor Joe Stumpe and his wife, Eagle columnist Carrie Rengers) will present an Asian Cooking Show featuring Pad Thai, Vietnamese spring rolls and dipping sauce.
At 2:30 p.m. Saturday Carrabba’s Italian Grill’s Joe Parten will show how to cook Lemon Butter Shrimp Saute and a favorite Italian sauce served over pasta. The Chef H Cooking Show will be at 4 p.m.
On Sunday at 1 p.m., Wesley nutritionist Detress Dillworth-Brown, M.S., R.D/L.D. will show you how to cook tasty heart healthy meals. At 3 p.m. award-winning chefs Mark Wolf and Dusty Shelite of Via Christi’s Riverside Village will present a healthy cooking show. Wolf formerly cooked for the stars in Hollywood before returning home to Udall. Shelite is known for producing excellent meals out of whatever she has on hand. Riverside Village won the five-star dining award on their watch, a distinction earned by only one retirement community in the state each year.
Fair hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $7.75 for adults, $6.75 for seniors and $4.75 for children 6-12. Children 5 and under are free. Girlfriend coupons, available at both Slumberland Furniture locations, will be good for two admissions for $11. The Green Party Bus will again provide doorside transportation from Lawrence-Dumont Stadium parking lot.
For more information check the website at www.womensfair.com or call 838-6895,
