Oswego Chamber’s Hometown Expo a hit with businesses, patrons at county fairgrounds

The Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce’s Hometown Expo returned April 17 to great acclaim from vendors and patrons at the Kendall County Fairgrounds in Yorkville.

Until this year, the annual expo had been held indoors at Oswego High School.

Anneliese Rakes, owner of Twice as Nice Cake Design, attended the expo as a vendor for the first time Saturday, offering miniature cupcakes to those who stopped by her booth.

“It’s going great,” she said, “I’m really having a fun time and there’s lots of people to meet.”

Rakes’ enthusiasm was echoed by businesses across the fairgrounds. As the expo was held with outdoor access, businesses including car dealerships were able to showcase their products. Food trucks were also set up on the grounds for vendors and customers.

The Fox River Academy of Music and Art’s popular art show returned this year with its own, separate location on the fairgrounds. The show featured 136 art pieces from children, teens and adults.

“It’s extremely exciting that we have our own space here,” Academy Executive Director Karen Kulzer said. “It’s very flexible as far as the spacing goes, and we don’t feel like we’re cramped in the middle of everything...we have so much more space here and there’s room to grow.”

“People are used to the high school, we’ve been at the high school for 15, 20 years,” Chamber CEO and President Angie Hibben said.

Responses were so strong to the fairgrounds, that Hibben confirmed the expo will return to the site next year.

In 2022, Hibben said, the expo will add a car show, and a stage for local bands to perform, an extension of the demonstrations put on by dance troupes, taekwondo studios and other businesses. There are also hopes to include local 4-H groups at next year’s expo, she noted.

“There’s so much potential here at the fairgrounds for us to do things,” Hibben said.

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Businesses and organizations took questions from patrons and residents at their booths during the Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce Hometown Expo, April 17, at the Kendall County Fairgrounds. (Shea Lazansky)