(4/3) More than 1700 people attended
the 4th Annual Thurmont Business Expo at
Catoctin High School on March 28.
“At a quarter till (six), we had people
busting through the doors,” said Thurmont Main
Street Manager Vickie Grinder. “They came in,
got their bags and started looking.”
In all, 78 vendors set up booths in
Catoctin’s two gymnasiums to show off their
products and offer free samples.
It was Connie Cissel’s first time showing
her PartyLite candles. She came to the expo to
let residents know she was in town and to
allow them to see her products.
“It’s been wonderful,” Cissel said. “I’ve
had quite a few people interested in having
parties.”
Paul Cannada with the Thurmont Lions Clubs
set up his table to show residents what the
Lions Club does for the town and to get new
members.
“We usually get one or two people to sign
up each time we’re here,” Cannada said. “It’s
really good publicity.”
Visitors wandered the gymnasiums sampling
foods from restaurants, taking free samples of
other items and talking with businesspeople
about their businesses.
Lois Layman of Frederick has attended every
one of the expos. She said she comes to see
people she knows and to taste good food.
“It’s a little like a homecoming for me,”
Layman said.
Nancy Bankard of Thurmont said she comes to
learn about the businesses in the area. Last
year, she discovered the pet groomer in town
and now takes her dogs there.
Bringing in approximately 650 visitors its
first year, the Thurmont Business Expo
continues to grow every year, attracting an
ever increasing number of businesses and
attendees.
