It was one hot day. Cardboard fans on sticks were aflutter all over the Santa Maria Fairpark convention hall.
Despite the weather, there was a respectable turnout for the 2015 Santa Maria Business Expo, presented by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and MIYB Spaces on Sept. 10 at the Fairpark.
Participating in the expo were businesses, restaurants, manufacturers, media outlets, and nonprofits.
Admission was $2 per person or free with a business card.
The theme this year was “Around the World.” Booth holders were encouraged to dress and decorate accordingly. The Santa Maria Inn won the prize for best representation of the theme.
Their chef whipped up white gazpacho, ceviche, and quiche—foods from around the world—for giveaways.
Ron Smith and Mandy Corbett of Smith’s Alarms and Electronics Inc. were to be admired. He was dressed as a character from Around the World in 80 Days, and she as Amelia Earhart. To wear that gear in that heat, well, that is awesome.
Smith told me that the eye-catching props in his booth were from his mother’s house. A life-sized Pharaoh, a sarcophagus, and what looked like a winged lion, set the stage for the Smith’s Alarms adventure. I loved it. Talk about firing up your imagination.
Moxie Cafe’s motto is “eat well, be well.” Can’t beat that! Their tri-tip chili samples were a big hit—the kind of tidbit that makes you want to go through the food line twice.
Costco offered up its Kirkland brand tortilla chips with guacamole and salsa. Cookies from their bakery were part of their spread.
Of course, Chamber of Commerce CEO Glenn Morris was on board for the event. City Manager Rick Haydon and Mayor Alice Patino couldn’t stay away either.
What is a trade fair without prizes? I was standing next to Jeanne Sparks when she won one of four $50 gift certificates for Home Depot. There were many raffle items available at various booths, including a television set and a large Santa Maria style barbeque.
Nagy Vineyards did something I haven’t seen before. Winemaker Clarissa Nagy brought for sampling bunches of pinot noir grapes (I had no ideas these were so small) and viognier grapes (bigger than the pinot noirs, but smaller than grapes you buy in the supermarket). Thank you, Clarissa.
As well as being a source of key chains, pens, Post-it pads, and candy, the Business Expo is also a treasure trove of info. The Santa Maria Country Club’s Food and Beverage Manager Jennifer Biely let me know that on Sept. 27, from 1 to 4 p.m., the Country Club will host an open house with complimentary wine tasting and appetizers, and music on the patio.
Amy Curti was happy as a clam to let me know that motivational speaker Mimi Donaldson is making a return appearance at a Women’s Network luncheon on Wednesday,
Oct. 2, at the Country Club. Sign me up, Amy!
I heard Donaldson (also a life coach) speak last year. She was truly motivational. And entertaining.
The Historical Society’s Cindy Ransic was on hand with a copy of her recently published book about Civil War Veterans from Santa Maria.
The Business Expo offers a bird’s-eye view of our Valley, but you don’t have to be a feathered friend to enjoy this event.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Sep 17-24, 2015.