1,600 attend Thurmont's
business expo
By Brooke Vinyard
Contributing Writer
THURMONT,
Md. - Thurmont business owners and members of the community
flooded the two gymnasiums and lobby of Catoctin High School
on the evening of March 30, for the Third Annual Thurmont Business
Expo.
Thurmont
Commissioner Bill Blakeslee believes that this year’s
expo drew in around 1,600 patrons, if not more. “It
was virtually impossible to get an exact number. We had people
coming and going from multiple entrances,” he said.
The
Thurmont Economic Development Commission established the expo
in 2005 to emphasize local businesses in the area. This year’s
theme, Hawaiian luau, was a hit among both exhibitors and
spectators. Diana Stull, owner of The Beauty Shop, was dressed
in complete Hawaiian attire as she handed out floral hair
pins to guests.
“I
came to see what the local businesses have to offer. The theme
is so fun and is really put together,” said Laura Hobbs
of Thurmont.
Dr.
Richard B. Love D.D.S. and his associates spent the evening
speaking with members of the community, and even some of their
current patients, while handing out toothbrushes and bottles
of mouthwash. “A lot of people are inclined to go down
the road to find quality service. What people don’t
realize is that we offer that same quality service in our
small town,” he said. Adding, “It’s great
to see faces that you know and have the ability to call each
individual by name. It’s the hometown touch.”
“We
really enjoy coming to the expo; we’ve even found a
few businesses that we never knew existed,” said Thurmont
local Darlene Sharer. Her husband, Rich Sharer, added, “It’s
a great way to re-familiarize yourself with the community.”
Another
exhibitor, John Nickerson, owner of Gnarly Art Design Shop
presented samples of his work, as well as photographs of projects
past. “I’ve been living here for so long, but
I do work all over Maryland. I thought I would show my face
in my own town for a change,” he said.
Businesses weren’t the only ones to find their niche
at the expo, fundraisers were found to support members of
the Thurmont community. Catoctin High School senior Samantha
Keeney took the opportunity to solicit donations for her senior
project, a fundraiser to benefit a toddler with severe medical
bills; as did the Thurmont Lions Club, who collected for Catoctin
senior Casey Bly.
Many
local restaurant and eateries offered an array of samplings
to patrons, including smoothies from Cool Beans, and crab
dip from the Shamrock restaurant.
Catoctin
High School has become the unofficial home to the expo after
the event outgrew the American Legion within two hours of
the first expo.
