One-stop shopping at Celebrations Expo

Is there a special celebration in your future? For example, a family reunion, baby shower, wedding, retirement, birthday, anniversary, sports group get together, fundraiser, or graduation.

Eleven Caledonia businesses are coming together on February 19 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Elsie’s Bar & Grill to host a one-stop shopping expo. Celebrations Expo is your opportunity to visit Caledonia’s event planning experts about your upcoming event.

Host and organizer Elsie Babler with Elsie’s Bar & Grill emphasized, “COVID was a setback, but we are all working together.”

In the past, Four Seasons Community Center hosted a wedding expo twice. This year organizers changed the expo’s name to Celebrations Expo to include all celebrations and not just weddings.

On hand to chat with attendees will be lodging facilities, caterers, restaurants, bakery, venues, florists, photographers, DJ, and videographer.

Participating vendors include Good Times Restaurant and Bar, Caledonia Bakery, Winnebago Springs, Four Seasons Community Center, Outback Ranch, Main Attraction, Mary Ann’s Floral and Gift, Vision Media, LLC & Vibes DJing, Ella Rae Photography, Caledonia Inn, and Elsie’s Bar & Grill.

Owner Suzanne Roesler, Caledonia Bakery, explained, “Events are intimate experiences. You can do more of what you want in Houston County. Caledonia offers unique places to hold the groom’s dinner. In addition, Caledonia is close to La Crosse.”

There is no cost to attend the Expo, and you do not have to register in advance to attend the Expo.

Twelve event planning tips to know before you go:

1.Create an event email address. This will allow you to collect all your planning information in one account.

2.Bring labels. Print mailing labels with your name, address, telephone number, and email address on them. This way, you do not have to write the same information down for every vendor; thus, saving you time.

3.Wear comfortable shoes. Sore feet mean unhappy shoppers.

4.Eat a good breakfast. Attending an expo on an empty stomach is not any fun.

5.Bring friends and family with you.

6.Write down your questions before the Expo. There will be so much going on, and you will be having so much fun that you may forget your questions.

7.Take notes and pictures to remember who you spoke with and what you discussed.

8.Enter to win! Vendors will be offering door prizes and specials, and you will not want to miss out.

9.Keep an open mind and talk with all the vendors. You may find something to incorporate into your event that you had not considered.

10.Schedule enough time to visit with each of the eleven vendors. Take your time to get answers to all your questions.

11.Follow up with companies you like. Vendors’ calendars book up quickly, so make to follow up with them after the show to secure your date.

12.Have fun! Enjoy the planning process.

Nicki Burroughs with Good Times Restaurant and Bar shared, “Your guests will feel special that they were invited to your celebration in Caledonia.”

“Come check us out for all your upcoming celebrations!” reminds Babler.

For up-to-date information on the Celebrations Expo, visit the Expo’s Facebook events page at www.facebook.com/events/926128048271792 or contact Elsie’s Bar & Grill at (507) 725-3313.

“Caledonia is a happening place,” echoed the vendors.