Just like Oswego’s population keeps growing, so does its annual Hometown Expo.
The five-hour Oswego Chamber of Commerce event on Saturday at Oswego High School included 109 booths, a record for the expo, according to Oswego Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Angela Hibben.
Along with the booths featuring local businesses and organizations, there was also an art show, a number of entertainment options for families and more.
“We have everything this year that ranges from the smallest non-profit to our largest employer in Kendall County,” Hibben said. “We have giveaways, raffles – it’s a chance for our Chamber members and local businesses to promote themselves to the community.”
Hibben said the event draws “people from all over – not just Oswego – Yorkville, Plainfield, Montgomery, Naperville, Sandwich, this whole area.”
Hibben said visitors are looking for anything “from home products to services for their home” or just things for themselves.
“Jobs, to meet nonprofits and looking for volunteer opportunities – we have chiropractors, we have senior services – it’s free to attend and this is also a major fundraiser for the Chamber. Because of these, we’ve been able to keep our dues fairly steady and only had a couple increases in the past several years,” she said.
An art show put on by School District 308 students which also included work from other students in the area was also organized at the event.
“The items are independently judged by professional artists and awards are given out,” she said.
Roger Long of Oswego said he has come to the expo several times over the years.
“I think it’s good exposure for people and then, obviously, being a Chamber member, it has its perks,” he said. “You’re advertised, you have support, and it usually means you care about your community.”
Long’s daughter Morgan Gafford said she has come with her father many times to the event, including when she was younger.
“But now, as an adult with a home, I’m looking for connections and mom and pop shops and places I can trust that can help me fix up the house,” she said. “Today, I’m looking for flooring. If I get a contractor today, that’ll be great.”
Judy Bush of Boulder Hill said she was at the expo on Saturday since “I do a lot of business with the people in Oswego.”
“I like the expo. You can see all the businesses and talk with people one-on-one. I like the one-stop shop of this, absolutely,” she said. “Over the years, nothing has really surprised me, but it’s gotten bigger every year.”
Bill Helgeson of Oswego said he owns two businesses in town and likes to meet other local business owners at the expo.
“Absolutely. I mean, I love to meet other business owners as Oswego is probably one of the more dynamic business areas for small business owners especially,” he said. “I think the other thing is, (the Chamber) is very team-oriented. This has grown over the years. I’ve been here 35 years and I’ve just seen this place explode.
“And the other thing that is nice about this is that you get to see those that aren’t from Oswego that come because they want to do business here. That’s a good thing. It gives us options, right?” he added. “It’s very dynamic. It’s a fun place to live and do business.”
David Sharos is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
