Family life is hectic enough without having to squeeze out the time to research ideal vacation destinations, or educational options for yourself or the kids; explore healthy cooking ideas, and find help with your garden.

Now it's possible to do all that and more, AND keep the kids entertained, all under one roof. The annual Family Living Expo™ is a two-day family extravaganza featuring some 200 unique exhibitors representing dozens of family-oriented products and services; free seminars on travel, home and gardening ideas, and more; free drawings; plus nonstop live entertainment sponsored in part by Radio Disney and The Halls of Magic.

The expo will be held Saturday April 5th from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday April 6th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Roy Wilkins Auditorium at RiverCentre in St. Paul.

The popular event, which drew tens of thousands last year, is even bigger and better for 2003. This year's high-energy expo line-up features picnic-style games for the entire family including pie eating contests and relay races, an exhibit of 365 dolls created from "found objects" including postage stamps and tea bags - each accompanied by an inspirational poem; representatives from some of the nation's top water and amusement parks; as well as speakers on everything from parenting to writing children's books.

Also this year, Expo producers are teaming with Radio Disney, which is sponsoring music, games, stage shows and prizes for all children brought on stage. In addition, the Halls of Magic will be presenting several shows throughout the two-day event.

The walls of the Expo will be adorned with children's drawings depicting their favorite family activities. The drawings will be the entries from the "My Favorite Family Activity" coloring contest, sponsored by Mid-America Events & Expos, producer of the Family Living Expo™. Winners will be announced during the event. Mid-America Events & Expos Manager Adam Lopez attributes the wide appeal of the Family Living Expo™ to the breadth of its exhibitors, speakers and entertainment. "The Family Living Expo is a shopper's paradise, a vacation show and a home show all rolled into one two-day event. And as in past years, we will offer information to families on education alternatives, investments, health and lifestyle, and other relevant topics. It is one of the highest quality family events in America."

Tickets for the Family Living Expo™ are just $6 at the door, and free for children 17 and under. For discount tickets, and more information about the Expo and the My Favorite Family Activity Coloring Contest, please visit 101expos.com or call the expo hotline at 612-798-7256.

Kids up to age 18 are eligible for the coloring contest. Winners will be announced during the Expo, and will be selected according to age group and originality.