BY PHIL CUSTODIO
Clarkston News Editor
As the showcase of local business, the Clarkston Expo is a great place to learn all about what local shops, stores, and restaurants have to offer. This year, the Expo’s 20th anniversary, learning could win you tickets to a Detroit Red Wings Game.
‘Guests at the Expo will be given scavenger hunt cards and go to each booth and learn information about them,? said Penny Shanks, chamber executive director. ‘The winner will get four tickets to a Red Wings game with VIP parking.?
This year’s Expo is the biggest yet, with 109 businesses signed up. Each will present exhibits showcasing their products and services.
‘A wide variety of really cool things will be going on,? Shanks said.
Clarkston State Bank is bringing the Money Machine, a shower-stall size device in which people stand while blowing air swirls money around them.
‘Money just flies around ? that’s always fun,? Shanks said.
Lowrie’s Landscape has three booth spaces, and will feature a display of Moon Valley premium wood furniture. Dr. Hsaio Bechinski will offer diabetes testing and possibly flu shots at her Genesys Medical Center booth. Beanstro Specialty Coffee will have free samples of its roasted beans, freshly ground or whole. Also, Advanced Pet Care will have kittens at its booth, along with pet care advice.
‘The kittens are just adorable,? Shanks said.
Fenton Home Furnishings will set up a room complete with furnishings for the Expo, a feat more impressive due to the limited time available to set up. The Expo will be held at Clarkston High School, so exhibits can’t be set up until classes are dismissed.
‘They’ll do some amazing things in one-and-a-half hours,? Shanks said.
The Expo helps connect the local business community with local customers, she said.
‘It helps the community discover the value of local business, the number and variety of local business,? she said. ‘It’s a great way to connect with them.?
For the fifth year, the North Oakland Technical Center’s culinary arts program will serve refreshments at the Expo.
‘It’s a special project for them,? Shanks said. ‘They test, prepare and serve finger foods and desserts ? they’re always outstanding, a great showcase for them.?
The Expo is one day only, from 5-8 p.m. tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 2. Clarkston High School is located at 6093 Flemings Lake Road. Tickets are $5 at the door, but complementary passes are available with chamber members. For more information, call the chamber at 248-625-8055.