12 years and counting: Chelsea Spring Expo April 14

Courtesy photo. Representatives from Chelsea State Bank get ready to greet 2017 Chelsea Spring Expo visitors.

(Chelsea Update would like to thank Trinh Pifer for the information in this story as well as the photos. One of the sponsor’s names was incorrectly spelled. My apologies to the McNab Group. This information has been corrected.)

On Saturday, April 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Chelsea Spring Expo celebrates a dozen years of community engagement.

More than 140 different vendors including area businesses, crafters, non-profits, and school groups will have booths on display at the Washington Street Education Center (WSEC).

As the event organizer, the Chelsea Senior Center engages community partners and volunteers of all ages to make this family friendly event a huge success.

The KidZone at the Expo is a partnership with SRSLY, a coalition established to empower youth to live healthy, substance-free lives by bringing the community together. Decked out in the SRSLY lime green color, the KidZone will have face painting, crafts, games, and MakerSpace activities from the Chelsea District Library. New this year, will be fowling (bowling with a football) provided by Chelsea Lanes.

The KidZone is a big draw for the Expo and is packed throughout the day with young families and grandparents with their grandchildren.

Courtesy photo. If you’re at this year’s Chelsea Spring Expo between 11 a.m. and noon, you can hear the Mighty Cukes, a ukelele group. Photo from 2017.

“We come every year to the Expo to share innovative programs and services that the library has to offer for people of all ages,” said Lori Coryell, Chelsea District Library director, who added, “The Expo is a wonderful opportunity to reach out to our community. It’s a terrific way to meet new patrons.”

Want music and art?

The Chelsea High School show choir, Company C, is back for a free performance at 1:00 p.m. This group of talented high school students always performs to a packed room, so be sure to arrive early for a seat.

If you are looking for more musical opportunities to enjoy, the Mighty Cukes will be strolling and performing ukulele songs from 11 a.m. to noon throughout the Expo.

The WSEC mural, created by the Chelsea School District Art Department with funding from the Chelsea seniors, will be completed and ready for the community to appreciate at the Expo. This whimsical depiction titled “Fantastic Chelsea” is spearheaded by local art teacher Geo Rutherford with lots of creative student input and talent. It’s a colorful addition to the main lobby of WSEC and is another great reason to check out the Expo.

Come find out what your community has to offer and enjoy free goodie bags and door prizes. Stop by the best-ever bake sale offered by the Chelsea Senior Center for homemade pies, bread, and other delicious treats.

With free admission and parking, it’s a fun day and a fun way to explore your community.

Gary Munce, Chelsea Senior Center Board president, “This annual event is organized and led by the senior center as a way for us to showcase our wonderful community and the many local partners that support our mission. The diverse mix of vendors have a unique occasion to connect with nearly 2,000 potential customers, network with other vendors, promote their services, and support small business and community development.”

All exhibits will be indoors, so rain or shine, plan to meet your friends, bring your family and join us at the Washington Street Education Center at 500 Washington St.

A terrific lunch menu offered by the Chelsea School District will also be available, so bring the family for a fun afternoon and come celebrate spring.

Call 734-475-9242 for more information or visit www.chelseaseniors.org.

Special thanks to our 2018 Gold Sponsors: