By Lisa Carolin
An unseasonably cold and rainy spring day on Saturday, April 14, was good news for the 12th Annual Chelsea Spring Expo.
“The weather did us a favor because when it’s raining, it encourages people to do something inside,” said Trinh Pifer, executive director of the Chelsea Senior Center, which presented the Expo.
Well over a thousand people attended the event along with more than 130 vendors.
Among the vendors was Jeb Booge, owner of VogueBooge, who sells 100-percent soy candles at the Chelsea farmers markets.
“My candles are popular at the markets because people here like clean, natural things, and my candles burn clean and longer,” said Booge.
Susan Pickering Rothamel, owner of USArtQuest, the art supply store and Federal Express location near the Pierce Road exit off I-94, had an exhibit at her booth of paintings by a variety of local artists including Lolly Mindel.
“We offer activities for people of all ages, and will be offering a summer camp for youngsters from first through sixth grade,” said Pickering Rothamel.
There were foods and gifts for sale, local businesses and nonprofits shared information, and the KidZone filled a hallway.
Elizabeth Hammer was one of the representatives for the Chelsea Area Historical Museum.
“We’re here because we’re excited about new exhibits and new energy,” said Hammer, who said they’re always looking for volunteers.
There were music performances by the Company C Chelsea High School Choir and by the Mighty Cukes, the Chelsea Senior Center’s ukulele group that practices Tuesdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. and welcomes new members.
“We play at Senior Center events and around town,” said member Mary Tomac.
Proceeds from the Expo go to the Chelsea Senior Center, which offered a huge selection of sweets at its annual bake sale. Lunch could be purchased in the cafeteria, where proceeds went to benefit the Chelsea School District.
Pifer was pleased as she took a look around at the constant flow of people.
“Spring is a good time to reconnect with people and get out,” she said, adding her approval for the timing of the Expo.
