Businesses tout their wares at Wauconda chamber’s EXPO
The 8th annual Wauconda Area Chamber of Commerce Business and Community EXPO returns to Wauconda High School Saturday, Feb. 26, and Sunday, Feb. 27.
The themed event, “Winter Blues Getaway,” will showcase more than 70 area businesses and municipal booths, plus several area clubs and organizations.
Coinciding with EXPO is the fifth annual American Legion Post 911 Craft Show with more than 50 participants.
The EXPO is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 26 and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 27. This event, co-sponsored by the Daily Herald, Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital and All State Insurance-Jim Radtke, is free to visitors.
The EXPO and craft show will feature a weekend of special events, entertainment, raffles and food booths from the Wauconda High School Boosters, Nancy’s Pizza and the Wauconda Moose Lodge.
EXPO booths will be located in the large gym and main hallway, while the craft show will be presented in the cafeteria.
Free EXPO programs will be distributed to all visitors with a detailed map and listing of all participants. The chamber’s 2011-2012 Community Guide will also be available to attendees.
Feb. 26 will spotlight the 2010 Canine Olympics Champion, MAXX, Wauconda’s very own police dog, who will demonstrate his canine detective abilities with his trainer, Sgt. John Combs.
Local musician Jeff Trudell and caricature artist Jason Neumann add to the events, along with the Island Lake Post Office, which will assist citizens with U.S. Passport registration.
On Feb. 27, EXPO guests will be treated to a return visit by Dave’s Traveling World of Reptiles, featuring an up-close, live and extremely interactive experience about exotic reptiles and amphibians from around the world.
Musical entertainment for the day will be provided by local talent Terry Spizzirri. Jason Neumann will be on hand for more caricature art, and the Wauconda Scholastic Bowl Team will show off its academic talents in a contest of intellect.
“Last year’s event drew in almost 2,000 visitors,” said chamber Executive Director Sandy Hartogh. “Based on the early sellout of our exhibitor booths, and businesses still knocking on our door to request a space, we are expecting an even larger crowd this year.
“In this tough economy, businesses are looking for every opportunity to promote their products and services. By the same token, families are seeking entertainment of value that isn’t going to drain the family budget.”
A complete listing of booth participants and daily entertainment is available online at waucondaareachamber.org.