Fun is the primary business of Chamber holiday extravaganza
EAST GULL LAKE - Most people couldn't get into the 11th annual Chamber Business Expo and Holiday Extravaganza Thursday at Madden's Town Hall until they got their picture taken with Santa and his elves.
Santa, with his soft velvet suit, cherry-red cheeks and silver wire glasses sat in his sleigh while several elves and Mrs. Clauses ran around with glee.
More than 500 people passed Santa and his sleigh, sponsored by many of the lodging businesses in the Brainerd lakes area and Woody's Photography, which took the pictures.
One of the elves dressed in green and red was Tracy Switajewski of AmericInn Lodge and Suites in Baxter. Switajewski said they started the display last year and it was a hit so they thought they'd do it again. He said they expected to take at least 200 photographs.
People visited the Cub Food booth Thursday at the Chamber Business Expo and Holiday Extravaganza on Thursday at Madden's Town Hall. Brainerd Dispatch/Nels Norquist » Purchase reprints of this photo.
"This is a fun event around Christmas time," Switajewski said.
Lisa Paxton, Brainerd Lakes Area Chambers of Commerce chief executive director, said "This is a business-to-business trade show where business members can meet, greet and eat.
"The holiday event gives business members a chance to get to know other businesses and to have fun. It also gives businesses another venue to promote their products."
Mary Gottsch, chamber project director, said everyone looks forward to the social networking event. She said people were able to see the 60 vendors, while enjoying the hors d'oeuvres, such as crab cakes and stuffed mushrooms. They also were able to browse the items being sold on the silent auction. Items included wine and candle gift baskets, a cutting board and grill set and several gift certificates.
No one could pass The Chocolate Ox in Nisswa's booth because of the milk chocolate, hazel nut and dark chocolate mint truffles, said Loriese Stoll of The Chocolate Ox. Stoll said she wanted to be involved with the expo this year so as to be a part of the community, to network with other business members and to see old friends.
"So many people are coming up to us with stories," Stoll said. "One person said she can get her son to pick weeds if she takes him to our store ... It makes me happy to hear stories like that."
Jeffrey Elder of Unicel in Baxter saw many people go through his booth for the crab cakes prepared by Madden's. Elder said the atmosphere at the expo was festive and he enjoys seeing all the happy people.
Doug and Ann Johnson of Johnson's Personality Plus Interiors in Nisswa said they have come to the expo every year but two and always have a good time.
"It's a chance to see all the new businesses in the area and to see what they sell," Ann Johnson said. "You really can see how much this area has grown."
Johnson said one of her favorite foods was the macaroni salad with cranberries made by Cub Foods.
"I loved the egg nog," said Theresa Sullivan of Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby. This was Sullivan's third year at the expo, and she said it puts her in the holiday spirit.
Karen Ahle of Lakes Area Eye Care in Baxter said being a vendor at the expo gives her a chance to meet a lot of business people in the area.
Colleen Reynolds of Century 21/Goedker Realty in Brainerd stopped by and told Ahle that she needed to make an appointment soon to get her eyes checked.
Dennis Slayton of Brainerd Savings and Loan said he attends the expo for three things - food, displays and the social aspect.
Dawn Gruff of Close Converse Commercial Properties in Brainerd said the food was great, especially the crab cakes. Gruff said the expo gives good exposure to businesses in town.
JENNIFER STOCKINGER can be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851.