Sanders County Expo to hit Plains
SANDERS COUNTY – Members of local businesses, services and clubs will flock to the Plains High School gym by the dozens this weekend to display all they have to offer the people of Sanders County.
The Sanders County Expo, formerly known as the Plains Trade Fair, is set to take place this Saturday. Much of the event will be similar to previous years but some changes have been made, according to Organizer Brandy Chisholm.
“It is the 18th annual Plains Trade Fair but this year we decided to rename it the Sanders County Expo to try and draw in different vendors,” Chisholm said. “We thought a name change would be good this year.”
There certainly will be a wide variety of vendors this year. There will be anything from custom made furniture, to scented candles, to auxiliaries. Local relators and clubs will be present as well as the River Radio Station and Access Montana.
Chisholm mentioned one way this year’s event might differ from last year is the political presence. Since it is an election year, political groups are likely to be in attendance.
The Clark Fork Valley Hospital is also taking advantage of the expo as a platform to spread a message.
“The VFW and Clark Fork Valley Hospital have provided quite a bit of support and the hospital will be represented because of the new registration for insurance,” Chisholm said.
The event will be held Saturday, March 29th from 10-3 p.m. in the Plains High School gym. Food will be available courtesy of Subway.
Chisholm encourages all of the community to come and see the vendors. There is no cost for the event and it is a fun way to spend an afternoon with the family.
“It is an opportunity for the community to come together and it is an overall great community event,” Chisholm said.
Not only is it a fun event but it is educational and beneficial to the community as a whole.
“It just shows what all is available to the public in the area. Some vendors do not always get the chance to show what they have of value to offer the community,” Chisholm said. “It is a way to help out the local businesses very inexpensively.”
As of now, the event coordinators are still accepting vendors who would like to participate. The sooner vendors register the easier it is for everyone, but late comers are typical and expected, according to Carol Day of the Plains-Paradise Chamber of Commerce.
“There is always a big surge at the end,” Day said. “I would love to figure out how to change that, but if they call me Friday morning we will put them in.”
Vendors wishing to register can contact Chisholm at Access Montana or Day through the chamber.
As of March 23, the vendors include Peregrine Embroidery, Huckleberry Hounds, Board of Housing, Sanders County Pilot Association, Demarle At Home, Greenacres Creations, NW Montana BOW, 99.1 The River, CFVH, Buckey Hardwood Floors, Blackfoot, Republican’s, Senator Fielder, Access Montana, American Dream Realty, Lion’s Club, Voter’s Registration, SC Tobacco Prevention, Scentcy/IT Works, Sanders County PAC, Valley Press, Axman Propane, Plains Woman’s Club, VFW Auxiliary, Pella Windows and Doors, Missy’s Pet Palace, Friends of the NRA, Community Action Partnership, Toast Masters and Nuruim International.