The Arlington Mothers Of Preschoolers staged its second annual Community Connects Family Expo at the Free Methodist Church.

Amy Jo Irwin, the event’s coordinator, explained that MOPS wanted to provide a service to the community while conducting a fundraiser.

“As a mom, I appreciate knowing more about the various kid- and family-oriented products, classes, lessons and clubs we have available to us locally, beyond just the educational,” Irwin said. “This way, busy parents don’t have to do the research on their own. Especially since we’re on the brink of summer, this can help fill those vacation months.”

Of the two-dozen exhibitors, more than half were new. Irwin noted that MOPS profiled each on its Facebook page prior to the event, to help families get further acquainted with them.

“We love family activities and giveaways,” Nicole Mitchell said, as she snapped photos of her husband, Justin, and two boys, Parker and Gage, wearing superhero masks. “It’s nice to find out about the resources in the area.”

The Warm Beach Camp in Stanwood provided the masks to promote its summer adventure camps.

Caroline Denoho promised prospective attendees plenty of climbing and obstacle courses to get kids engaged in experiencing the outdoors.

“The high rope is probably our most-popular activity,” Denoho said. “We just want to push them out of their comfort zone, in a way that will bring everyone together.”

Daniel Gibson’s daughters, Monroe and Brooklyn, couldn’t get enough of the tumbling mats from Rising Stars Gymnastics.

“It’s all been pretty cool,” said Gibson, who’s been particularly interested in finding something to suit the needs of Monroe, who’s 2 and has Down syndrome.

Leslie Lance guided Monroe and Brooklyn, 7, through their tumbles, and elaborated on what Rising Stars offers.

“There are regular-structured classes, of course, but also have open gym time, during which you can come in and use any of the equipment,” Lance said. “We’ll still have coaches on the floor for your safety.”

Lance added that this includes the use of the large trampoline, that attracts many attendees.

Youth Dynamics is still running “the Hut” out of the top floor of the American Legion building on Olympic Avenue, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 2:30-5 p.m. But Arlington YD director Jessica Ronhar was also promoting its rafting, kayaking and hiking outings.

“The Hut remains one of our most-popular features, since kids can just drop in,” Ronhar said. “We work with a lot of high schools, middle schools and churches in the area. But we also hop on the bus sometimes, heading as far as Seattle. It’s part of our adventure days.”