The Fourth Annual Business and Consumer Expo for Richmond Hill and Bryan County is this weekend at the Richmond Hill Recreation Center, Friday and Saturday.
The two-day expo starts Friday with a business-to-business from 5:30-7 p.m., for businesses see what other vendors have to offer. Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., the event is open to everyone in the community.
"A lot of people think this is just for businesses, but we want residents to know it’s for them to come and see the different businesses; be able to look, buy some of their products and have a good time," said expo Chairperson Shirley Heagerty.
Heagerty took over as chairperson this year. Michelle Englehart, who kicked off the original expo, was the chair for the previous three events.
"This is a chance for local residents to see what’s being offered. Very few small businesses have the chance to get out and about like they can during this event, so we’re looking forward to doing the business-to-business night again this year," Englehart said. "The goal is always to get people to come see what the local businesses have to offer."
Englehart said the origin behind the expo was to help raise awareness in the community about what’s available in Richmond Hill. Last year the first business-to-business was offered because business owners rarely time to see what other local companies have to offer, she said.
This year also brings something new to the expo – a barbecue cook off.
"Last year we had about 800 attendees, so we’re looking to get 1,000 this year," Heagerty said. "This year, we’re expecting 70 businesses inside, which won’t include vendors for the barbecue cook-off or other businesses, like Tim and Dave’s, outdoor power equipment, etc. who will set up outside the building."
The event is free and there will be parking available on-site.