Expo promotes local buying, business

• Business Expo at Halloween

The annual River Falls Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Business Expo takes on a Halloween theme, including lots of cute little witches, goblins and other characters. Submitted and stock photos

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Many River Falls businesses -- last year about 80 of them – are preparing to line up at the high school, 818 Cemetery Rd., for the 4th annual Business Expo hosted by the River Falls Chamber of Commerce from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27.

Admission and parking are free to all.

Chamber Program and Event Coordinator Maranda Mahr said last year’s visitor count, including kids and adults, was around 1,700.

The event’s main purpose includes multiple goals: Giving local businesses a venue in which to highlight their offerings; enabling residents to learn more about their local merchants and commerce; and encouraging people to ‘buy local.’

The late-October event takes on a Halloween theme, with both exhibitors and visitors coming dressed in their best costume. While there is not a contest, there will be a costume parade.

All vendors offer candy, as well as a fun freebie or activity for kids. And at the Expo, everyone networks.

Businesses interested in displaying at the Expo can get an 8-foot by 8-foot space with options for tables, chairs and electricity. Basic booth space costs $100 for non-Chamber members, $75 for Chamber members and $40 for a nonprofit organization.

While exhibitors may still register for Expo space after Oct. 10, they’ll pay a $15 late fee after that date and aren’t guaranteed to be on the event map. Booths must be set up 9-11 a.m. on Expo day and torn down 4-5 p.m.

Mahr said like last year, 5R Processors, Ltd., of Ladysmith will again offer recycling of household electronics. They’ll set up at the Wildcat Centre across the street from the high school.

It accepts home computers, monitors, laptops, printers, TVs, stereo equipment and some small appliances for free. For a $25 fee, 5R accepts appliances containing Freon such as refrigerators, freezers, de-humidifiers and air conditioners.

The company also offers a secure hard-drive cleansing process for $10. See a more complete list of what the company accepts at its website: www.5rprocessors.com.

Mahr said people will also see the high school color guard and “Miss Jennifer’s Dancers” perform that day. She said several other activities are in the works.

Visitors need only mark their calendar and plan to come. Interested exhibitors still have time to register for a spot at the River Falls Business Expo.

Find more information through the chamber’s web site at www.rfchamber.com, by calling 715-425-2533 or by emailing maranda@rfchamber.com.

Tags: river falls, events, business, wisconsin