Kids Pop Star Yosi headlines Lakewood BlueClaws kids expo

Tonight, the Lakewood BlueClaws minor league affiliate of the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies hosted their annual Kids Expo which as usual was a huge hit with the children in attendance.   Local childrens performer Yosi cranked out the pregame tunes on the field while fans made their way around the concourse examining the wares of the dozen or so family oriented business vendors in attendance.   While Yosi was performing on the field, troops of local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts paraded around the field for one of the many Scout Nights held at First Energy Ballpark.  Many local kids organizations and businesses were present with a wide variety of activities for the kids ranging from face painting, to balloon hats.

The Ocean County Parks and Recreation Department made a strong showing with their booth highlighting all that the County Park system has to offer residents.  The department has a summer packed with events and kids programs. This year the department will also host several events suitable for the whole family.  A complete listing can be found online at: http://www.ocean.nj.us/Parks/Default.htm.   One of the more interesting programs this summer is the Lakeside Children’s Theater, hosting weekly children;s theater events at Ocean County Park in Lakewood each Thursday at 1pm all summer long.  A complete schedule can be found here: http://www.ocean.nj.us/Parks/Lakeside.htm.  On July 24th, the county will be hosting Funtasia, a kids carnival also at Ocean County Park.

Jenkinson’s Aquarium was on hand with fun BlueClaws arts and crafts.   This year Jenkinsons Aquarium has a complete lineup of special programs for kids. Visit http://jenkinsons.com/aquarium/school.cfm for the entire schedule.  Other notable vendors on hand included Playdrome Bowling of Toms River who raffled off a free bowling ball, free balloon hats by Glitsy the clown (www.friendlyclowns.com) and Interactive Productions gave free demonstrations of iDance, a group Dance Dance Revolution style party system where 12 dancers can compete against each other at parties, schools or other events (www.idancers.net).

The game started for the BlueClaws with this bottom of the first inning 2 run home run by First Baseman James Murphy, who hit this monster shot over the outfield walls giving the kids their money’s worth.   This home run tied the game at 2 after sloppy infield play by the BlueClaws allowed 2 runs to score in the top of the first.   The game ended in the bottom of the ninth inning with a game winning 2 run home run by the Blue Claws, breaking a tie and avoiding extra innings.

At BlueClaws games, kids are always part of the show.  Kids squared off in a uniform relay race in which they ran from point to point to see who could don the BlueClaws uniform the fastest.

BlueClaws’ mascot Buster dances on the home team dugout with Dora the Explorer, Elmo and their little local friends.  The dugout wasn’t the only place to dance at tonight’s game as Interactive Productions of Toms River was showing off their iDance production.

The iDance Production included 16 (up to 32)  Wireless Dance Platforms.  The pads are similar to arcade style Dance Dance Revolution pads but all 16 participants got their own pad. All 16 dancers were looking at the same jumbo video screen and are watching the dance arrows in a friendly competition for the kids.  For me, the Interactive Productions booth was the hands down favorite because it is a product and service that is different, cutting edge and uses technology to entertain and excercise children.  What more can you ask for?  Visit their website at www.idanceusa.net to see this and other great party products they offer.

Yosi invited his Jackson Township friends up to the BlueClaws press box to help him sing “Take me out to the Ballgame” during the seventh inning stretch.   In all the Lakewood BlueClaws were great hosts for the children and once again showed the community that they are a top notch family friendly organization that caters to kids.

While today was a special day that was over the top for the kids, any trip to First Energy Ballpark to see the BlueClaws will be memorable for them because they are always treated as first class citizens when they walk through those gates.   So go online and get your BlueClaws tickets online at www.lakewoodblueclaws.com and remember kids always eat free.  Each children’s $9 ticket comes with a free hotdog, chips and drink, nearly a $9 value in itself.

Erin has a pregame chat with her friend and local kids music star Yosi Levin.  Yosi has been performing for kids in the area long before the current generation was around.  His music career started back in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s New Jersey underground punk music scene.  He played for underground favorites The Exposed and The New Gods, who recently had a reunion after nearly 20 years apart.    Yosi also performs in an all dad quartet called Yosi and The Superdads.    These days Yosi can be found performing at local birthday parties, parks, libraries and now apparently does the stadium tour.    You can listen to Yosi Music on Amazon or visit his website at www.yosimusic.com.     Yosi is truly a friend to the local kids who absolutely adore him.