Expo brings touch of spring and crowds to fairgrounds
By Bobbi Mlynar
Originally published 01:13 p.m., February 25, 2008
Updated 01:13 p.m., February 25, 2008
Vendors at the annual Spring Expo this weekend reminded visitors that there’s more to spring than lawns and gardens.
In addition to a large number of displays for home improvement and landscaping, area residents who strolled through the Anderson Building saw opportunities for spa escapes, shaping up and getting fit, and broadening their formal or enrichment educations.
Financial institutions and credit counselors were available for people interested in financing the home siding, hot tubs, replacement windows, or room additions that caught their attention.
Outside, Mark Shook of Waters True Value had set up large white tents to show off the company’s rental equipment and larger stock for lawns and gardens, and PrairieLand Partners brought in a supply of John Deere lawn and garden equipment for a “Ride and Drive.”
In the northeast corner of the Anderson Building, Scheller’s Lawn Service had installed a backyard oasis for outdoor living. Company employees built an impressive outdoor kitchen and dining area plus a waterfall and pond, surrounded by shrubs, small trees, and flowering plants they’d hauled in.
The natural-looking stone patio was made of shaped concrete “rocks” that Scheller’s employees said cost about the same as flagstone but are easier to install.
Kathy B’Hymer of Scheller’s said that areas between the rocks are filled with polymer sand, then sealed for better wear and durability.
The exhibit also held a large grill and a dining area with decorative rocks and topped with a grouted-tile table trimmed with beveled cedar.
Tara Freeman, public relations coordinator for the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce, estimated that Scheller’s had put in about 40 man-hours on its exhibit.
“They won best in show,” Freeman said.
Modern Air placed second in best in show with its decorative display and operating fireplace.
Voting was done Friday evening at a chamber After Hours event.
“I don’t think I could ask for anything else,” Freeman said of the Expo weekend. “I’m happy with the way it went, and I think everyone else is, too.”
Freeman said that the combination of snowfall and sleet did not seem to affect attendance, which was up slightly from last year.
“I thought it went fabulous,” Freeman said. “... I think everyone’s so used to it all winter that I think they were glad to get out and do something that involved spring.”
Vendors donated door prizes that were given away at a rate of one or two every 30 minutes throughout Saturday and Sunday. Gambino’s restaurant and Subway donated coupons and other “freebies” to supply food for vendors, and the chamber supplied bottled water so vendors could stay close to their booths to talk with the public about their services and products.