Business
Expo showcases
Thurmont on March 30 |
By James Rada Jr.
News Editor
THURMONT,
Md. – It may only be March in Thurmont, but don’t
be surprised if you see grass skirts and coconut bras at Catoctin
High on Mar. 30. That’s the date for the Third Annual
Thurmont Business Expo.
“This
year, it’s going to have a Hawaiian theme with more
room inside and more parking outside,” said Bill Blakeslee,
the town’s liaison with the economic development commission.
The
event is expected to have 90 Thurmont-based businesses and
restaurants displaying their business services. Attendees
get lots of free giveways, such as steamed shrimp, balloons,
pasta dishes, candy, toys and chocolate-covered bananas. Visitors
can also vote for “Thurmont’s Best” at the
Thurmont Economic Development Commission booth.
“It’s
the best way for a business to reach 1,000 people,”
said Vickie Grinder, Thurmont’s Main Street manager.
Last
year, about 1,500 people attended the expo at Catoctin High,
which had a Mardi Gras theme.
“A
lot of businesses took the Mardi Gras them and ran with it,”
Grinder said. “I expect even more will tie into the
theme this year.”
The
event was created as way to let town residents know just what
businesses and services are in town. It’s a way to encourage
people to shop and do business locally.
“We’ve
got at least 12 new businesses this year that I’d never
heard of,” Grinder said.
Blakeslee
said at last year’s expo he heard a number of people
say they hadn’t realized that Thurmont had a particular
type of business.
“Some
of the business owners have said they have gotten new customers
from people who saw them at the expo,” Blakeslee said.
The
expo began two years ago in the Thurmont American Legion.
About 650 people came to see 50 businesses.
“We
outgrew the American Legion the first year at about 6:30 p.m.,”
Grinder said.
Last
year, the expo moved to Catoctin High in both gymnasiums.
This year, the space will expand to the hallways in front
of the auditorium and cafeteria.
“It’s
a social evening that relaxing and fun,” Grinder said.
“And the theme is an appropriate way to fight the winter
blahs.”
The
expo will be on Mar. 30 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Catoctin
High School in Thurmont.
