When organizers launched the Woodbury Community Expo in 2010, they weren’t quite sure what to expect. Preparing for the fifth iteration, expo committee co-chair Scott Carlson and his team are expecting another strong turnout May 3 at East Ridge High School.
Attendees experience booths from local businesses, nonprofits, and a variety of community, education and government organizations. Carlson says organizers actively recruit a variety of participants so attendees can experience everything Woodbury has to offer. The expo is also family-oriented, featuring food vendors, live entertainment and activities for kids.
For vendors, the expo is an invaluable tool for meeting members of the community and gaining more exposure. Alexis Verdeja, donor representative for the American Red Cross, loves the Woodbury community and the expo gives her the opportunity to bring information directly to potential volunteers. “A lot of people are curious about donation and volunteer opportunities at the Red Cross but don’t pick up the phone, so speaking to them face-to-face at the expo is wonderful,” Verdeja says.
John Lysaght opened a new Woodbury business (USA Karate) in 2013. Connections he made at the expo were invaluable to growing his business in the first year. “There was a USA Karate in Woodbury years ago that ended up leaving,” Lysaght says. “When we re-opened, the Woodbury Community Expo gave us a chance to get reacquainted with people in the community.”
Fifth Annual Woodbury Community Expo
10 a.m.–4 p.m. May 3, East Ridge High School
