Revamped Spring Expo returns this March
"We'll have home and garden, and also recreation." - Leonard Sternadel
By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com

The city of El Campo's Spring Expo is coming back - and it's expected to be bigger and better than ever.

The upcoming March 15-16 event will be far more than a place for home remodelers and plant suppliers to showcase their wares, Community Service Director Leonard Sternadel said Monday, although he says those sorts of businesses will play a vital role in the success of the upcoming event.

He's hoping those Spring Spruce Up mainstays will be willing to set up displays in the El Campo Civic Center.

"We're going to expand from there," he added. "We'll have home and garden, and also recreation. I'm hoping to get ATVs, boats and travel trailers as well."

It may be one stop shopping, he added, "People will be able to get items for the garden, book a vacation and remodel their home."

The city is also hoping businesses will be willing to set up "how to" classes or displays for the visiting public.

The event is still in the planning stage, but is expected to quickly become a showcase event for the city which has been looking for a public event to sponsor.

"I'm working on contracts and will be sending them out Jan. 2," Sternadel said, adding he's got about 90 companies on his participation wish list.

And others are more than welcome, he said.

There will be no cost to set up a booth either inside the Civic Center or on the building's grounds. The two-day event will also be admission free.

Those interested in booth space can contact Sternadel at El Campo City Hall 541-5000.

The Spring Expo must have at least 30 booths for the event to make, but the community service director said he's confident that goal will be easily reached.

"I think this will be great for the community," Sternadel said, adding he will be asking local businesses to participate first.

"But if we don't have (a service or product) in the community, we'll bring it in from the outside," he said. "It will be everything you will need to be ready for spring."