An annual DeKalb event that showcases local organizations will now mix business with pleasure.
Virginia Filicetti is the marketing and events manager at the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce. She said past expos organized by the Chamber have allowed the community to connect with local businesses, but this year something else is tacked on.
“So, if you are comfortable, you can come and stay for ‘Spring Fest,’" she said, "where you can get out of your car, and eat from local food trucks, listen to some live music that we're going to have. And then also drinks too.”
Filicetti said many businesses are still closed due to the pandemic, and the Chamber’s drive-thru expo will allow patrons to come to them.
“So, they can still interact with future customers or current customers that they just don't see very often,” she added, “and connect with those that are in the community in a very safe way.”
Over 60 vendors will participate in the Local Showcase. The Spring Fest will include two local musical acts: Rich Sawyer and Mr. Myers Band.
This free hybrid event takes place at 4 p.m. Friday, May 14, at the DeKalb Airport. The expo starts first, and the outdoor Spring Fest follows. This year’s experience is presented by Facebook with support from several local business sponsors. Masks are required.
- Yvonne Boose is a current corps member for Report for America, an initiative of the GroundTruth Project. It's a national service program that places talented journalists in local newsrooms like WNIJ. You can learn more about Report for America at wnij.org.