Dade Expo Spotlights Small Businesses
By LYDIA BERGLAR
News Editor
Photo courtesy of Alliance for Dade – Shoppers enjoy the 2021 Dade Expo.
The Dade County Expo, happening from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 26 at Dade County High School, offers local businesses a chance to promote themselves and sell holiday-related items.
The expo (presented by the Alliance for Dade) is intentionally held on Small Business Saturday, an annual day created and promoted by the credit card company American Express to encourage shopping with small businesses during the holiday season.
According to Marcy Williams, secretary for the Alliance, “The Alliance for Dade fully supports [Small Business Saturday], and the expo provides an opportunity for small businesses in our community to display and sell their wares for the holiday season.”
Part of the Alliance’s mission is to “promote business” and “enhance economic and community development” in Dade County. Events such as the expo help achieve this mission.
The Alliance reports that over 60 exhibitors will participate, offering items (many of which are handmade) such as wreaths, ornaments, poinsettias, soaps, candles, jewelry, clothing, cooking products, and candy.
Additionally, make a donation to the Dade County High School Beta Club during the event and they will wrap gifts to save you time and energy later on.
Food will be available for purchase throughout the day as well. Hardee’s biscuits, donuts, coffee, and water will be available from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. For lunch, Uncle Lar’s Outpost will be selling BBQ sandwiches, shredded chicken sandwiches, snacks, sweets, and drinks from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Activities specifically for families with children include crafts and photos with Santa from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
At 2 p.m., the Davis Elementary School Choir will perform.
While many of the activities are designed for families with children or those hoping to complete a bulk of their Christmas shopping in one day, the expo also showcases non-profit organizations and other businesses. These booths will offer information about their projects and services.
The non-profits are Tree City USA, Trenton-Dade Optimist Club, Rising Fawn Methodist Church, Tri-State Food Pantry, and Trenton Santa Train. The businesses are Trenton Pressing, Roddy Rooster’s Wash & Detail, and Tax Masters 101.
George Williams, chair of the Alliance, said, “The Alliance for Dade is excited to present the second annual Dade Expo – Jolly Holidays! As your chamber of commerce, our goal is to support all businesses in Dade County. The EXPO provides the perfect opportunity for ‘non-brick & mortar’ small businesses and organizations to bring their products to the public at a fun-filled event.”
The Alliance notes the sponsors of the event, Red Fox Service & Repair, Friends of Cloudland Canyon State Park, TVN, Bank of Dade, Matt Mayfield State Farm, and Tritex.