The County Press

Lapeer Community Spring Expo promises lots of free family fun


LAPEER — The Lapeer Community Spring Expo, set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 23 at the Center for Innovation, will as always offer free admission.

The Spring Expo features a wide variety of local business vendors, free fun activities, door prizes, product samples and give-away items that will provide enjoyment for guests of all ages.

“There’s always fun to be found at the Spring Expo,” said Lapeer Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Neda Payne who, along with her team and board, organizes the event.

Inside fun takes place in the auxiliary gym. Families will want to make a stop with their kids at the free stateof the-art photo booth by Young’s Entertainment. Guests can choose a fun accessory, grab their family and friends and have fun at the photo booth. Other fun enjoyed by kids of all ages is face painting by Kim’s Fun Faces. There’s also a chance to get fun balloon art to take home.

New this year, Timber Creek Petting Farm will do two exotic animal shows. Weather permitting, the petting zoo will be outside. If weather doesn’t allow, the zoo will be set up in the auxiliary gym.

“The show is up close and personal,” said Payne. “Kids can learn about Finger Monkeys, baby kangaroos, tortoises, an exotic lizard, armadillos and more. Eight exotic animals will be featured in the show.”

Lots of fun and excitement can be found outside as WMPC will be back with their bounce house. Lapeer County EMS, and Lapeer Fire & Rescue’s big rig along with Sparky the Fire Dog will also be on hand. Kona Ice and Ya Eat Yet will be selling tasty treats to Expo guests.

Milnes Ford will be back this year with their test drive program, which invites guests to take a no pressure test drive in a brand new 2023 Ford vehicle. For every test drive Ford Motor Company and Milnes Ford will donate up to $20 toward the fireworks fund.

Guests will also want to be sure to sign up for door prizes as they visit with vendors at the Expo. Vendors will also have plenty of free promotional items to hand out, which are always a big hit at the Expo.

“Before you head home, we also encourage guests to register to win a Family Four Pack to the Lapeer Days Festival,” said Payne. “Four one day passes to the carnival and four Lapeer Days Festival T-shirts are included.”

The Lapeer Chamber of Commerce is still accepting vendor applications for the Expo. There are a few spaces left and the deadline for a business to have their name appear in the Expo ad in the Lapeer Area View is April 3. Each paid vendor is also entered to win a Media Prize Package valued at $2,500 sponsored by View Newspaper Group, Townsquare Media and Sinclair Broadcast Group. ABC12 News will also provide a gift basket filled with great gifts.

The Lapeer Community Spring Expo is in collaboration with Lapeer Community Schools and their Student Readiness Project. It is a free family fun day and a great opportunity for Lapeer Area community businesses. The Chamber expects the attendance to be over 2,000 this year and is planning for 80 vendors.

The Spring Expo is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 23. The Center for Innovation is located at 170 Millville Rd., Lapeer (formerly Lapeer West High School.)