Twenty four years ago, Jerry Fanning saw the need for a way to showcase all the small businesses in the Dodge County area. Being an agricultural area, there were very few larger businesses in operation back then. It was mostly "Mom & Pop" style, where the whole family may work together to bring the necessities to their neighbors. Jerry took it upon himself to start what is now one of the larger expo's in the area. Starting out with only a few, there were 94 exhibitors last year, and the committee is hoping to get over 100 vendors in the Triton gym this year on March 23rd. If you are interested in signing up for a table, contact Chris Pluto at (612) 816-3664 to sign up. Hours are from 8 to 2.
This expo is a meet and greet for our community. It is a way to get to know the faces behind the businesses that you shop at every day, as well as the ones you may use occasionally. The employees and owners will be there to tell you about what they have to offer, and will be handing out coozies, pens, magnets and other souvenirs.
The expo used to serve a Farmer's Breakfast for $1 to the attendees. This year is the first time there will be food for sale from 5 of our local eateries. HammerQ will be serving up BBQ sandwiches and sides, Plaza Morena will have Mexican food, WesCon Lanes will have pizza, The County Seat will have a variety, and Pappa Roast Coffee will be brewing up their special drinks.
There will be a musical guest this year, too. Coltan Smisek and the Hay Makers will be entertaining the crowd from 11 to 2. There will be a Pine Wood Derby as a qualifier for the state derby later this year in the food court. Rookie the Clown will grace us with his antics, and there will be a Mullet Contest! Now, to enter the contest, you can either have a real mullet, or you may wear a wig if you decide not to shave your hair. I have it on good authority that some of the Triton Staff may be entering the contest, so come on down and see the contestants!
There will be exhibitors from Dodge Center, Hayfield, Kasson, Claremont and West Concord. We have bankers, farmers, realtors, restaurants and more! Be watching for the March Messenger for more details, and if you know a business that would like exposure to thousands of prospective customers, please give them this information, and get them signed up. Word of mouth advertising is the best way to get people through the door, and this opportunity only comes around once a year, so we hope to see you there!
