Registration extended for Expo
By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com

Vendor registration for the upcoming Spring Home & Garden Expo has been extended to Wednesday to give the businesses the opportunity to take advantage of the free event.

Set for March 15-16 at the El Campo Civic Center, the slowness of registration has been puzzling, Community Service Director Leonard Sternadel said.

"It's completely free of charge," he said, adding the city is not charging businesses to set up a booth and will allow free admission to allow everyone to attend.

Although the popular Heat It Up For Hospice cook-off is the same weekend, Sternadel said he hopes people can support both events.

"Just come over and stroll through the booths," he said, adding area residents and visitors might be surprised what El Campo has to offer.

The Expo is designed to give businesses ranging from home remodelers and landscapers to decorators and recreational vehicle sales people a chance to show their wares.

The hall is open to all sorts of vendors with room on the Civic Center grounds for larger items like vehicles or operational displays.

"This is a great opportunity for local businesses to come out and show their stuff," Sternadel said. "It's also an opportunity for people who are thinking about doing renovations to talk with different contractors or people interested in buying a boat or other items."

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

"But the best part of the whole exposition is the cost to you is absolutely nothing," Sternadel said.

Those interested in booth space can contact the El Campo City Hall at 541-5000 during regular business hours. The deadline for registration is Wednesday, March 5.