ZANESVILLE -- Imagine doing all of your wedding planning and special-event shopping under one roof ... with delicious gourmet foods, beautifully beaded gowns, live entertainment, and door prizes galore. All of that and more will be offered at the Seventh Annual Southeastern Ohio Bridal Prom and Pageant Expo on Saturday, Jan. 16 at the Muskingum County Conference & Welcome Center in downtown Zanesville.
Vicki LeVeck, director of the Convention Facilities Authority at the Welcome Center, explains how the concept of the show originated, "In an attempt to showcase the local retailers and businesses who specialize in products and services relating to the beauty, prom, pageant, bridal, and special events industry, we are encouraging folks to shop locally, because we have it all right here in Southeastern Ohio."
While this is already the seventh annual Southeastern Ohio Bridal & Prom Expo, the organizers say it will definitely continue to be a tradition. "This showcase has become a staple in the community, and we are confident that it will be an annual event for years to come," explained Events Manager, Jessie Smith. "Each year, we set high goals for the number of vendors we were hoping to secure, as well as the number of brides and guests that we hope to see during the expo. We typically average over 50 vendors and we register literally hundreds of prospective brides and teenagers preparing for prom, and we are certain our vendors and guests will be satisfied again this year as we have a few exciting new elements and twists we're adding."
The Expo will feature two major runway productions; one showcasing Prom, Pageant, & Special Occasion attire, and one focusing specifically on Bridal Fashions.
"These will not be your average or typical fashion shows," exclaimed Jill Jones from Jillians Formal Wear on Maple Avenue. "The ladies at the Welcome Center produce professional, high energy, stage productions complete with choreography, lighting, live entertainment, beautiful models, and fabulous fashions."
The Bridal production will include apparel to appease brides who are seeking anything from traditional to contemporary and unique attire -- from beach and garden party styles, to winter, themed, or high-fashion runway designs. The Prom, Pageant, and Special Occasion Fashion Show will include both trendy and classic fashions in a variety of colors and styles that flatter every personality and figure. It will also include attire that is appropriate for other special occasions where semi-formal and formal attire are necessary. Both shows will include timeless and fashionable tuxedo options, provided by Wade's Clothing and Wade's Tux Specialists, and eye-catching floral bouquets by Imlay Florists.
Other stage presentations will include a special fashion feature with stylists from Henri's Cloud Nine and also a fashion-jewelry segment with Jewels by Park Lane. In addition to the bridal, prom, and pageant fashions and flowers, the two levels of the Welcome Center will be bustling with vendors displaying a variety of products and services. Within days of the open-call for vendors, Purse-nably Yours Too, Team Realty First, and Lisa Hamm's Mary Kay Cosmetics were quick to submit their vendor applications. And immediately following last year's expo, Edie's Deli & Cakes, Welsh Photography, and All Occasions Carriage & Pony Rides registered for the 2010 expo. Also on the vendor list thus far are: A & A Video Creations, Appalachian Abbey at Flint Ridge, Baxters Photography, David's Catering, Dawes Arboretum, Eagle Sticks Golf Course, Elder Beerman, Frog & Toady DJ Service, Genesis Zaney Follies: My Big Tacky Zaney Wedding, Kristy Huffman Photography, Diana Nonnenmacher's Mary Kay Cosmetics, N-Good Taste, Nothing But Chocolate, Olde Towne Cleaners, Pampered Chef/Jeanette Arnold, Physician's Weight Loss, PickYourTravelPlans.com, Pugh's Jewelers, Spring, Take Shape for Life, Team Realty 1st, The Rush Shop, Unique Blinx, VIP Limo Services, Welsh Photography, Your Memories by Design, and Zemba Incorporated.
"While we make the opportunity to be a vendor available to everyone, we are limited on space and can only accept a limited number of vendors," stated Vicki LeVeck. "The phone has been ringing, more applications are coming in daily, and we are filling the spaces on a first-come, first-serve basis. All applications must be complete and include payment to be accepted, and we do have room for more vendors."
Several vendors return each year because of the success of the annual showcase.
"It's a great networking opportunity in an upbeat environment, not only providing positive interaction with the other vendors, but all of the attendees," explained Phyllis Wycoff of Physician's Weight Loss Center. "All of the guests play Bridal Bingo and must complete their bingo card in order to qualify for door prizes. This is great because it gives each of us as vendors an opportunity to interact with the guests, sharing our products and services."
Also returning to the expo is Main Events Party Rental, who will provide displays and decorations that are appropriate for a number of special events.
"While we would like to be able to display a majority of our products, we will be limited on space, so we are encouraging everyone to check us out online at www.MainEventsPartyRental.com and come prepared to ask us questions about the items," explained Teri King with Main Events. "We also have an extensive showroom at our newly expanded location on State Route 16 in Newark, and we invite anyone who is planning a special event to visit us, so we can help plan your perfect day!"
All guests will be eligible for prizes from each vendor at the expo. Delectable food samples will be available from participating caterers; live entertainment will be provided by area vocalists and musicians; customer service areas will be provided by the Miss SEO Teen contestants; and vendor demonstrations will take place throughout the afternoon.
"We are also thrilled to be partnering with 107.3FM WYBZ, 89.3FM the Promise, and the Zanesville Times Recorder again this year, so we can better promote our vendors and this expo," explained LeVeck.
Admission to the event is just $5 at the door or $3 in advance. Tickets are available at the Muskingum County Conference & Welcome Center, Imlay Florist, Jillian's, and Main Events Party Rental.
Vendors applications and additional information can also be obtained from the same locations, and online at www.ItsHappeningInZanesville.com.
Call the MCCFA/Welcome Center at (740) 452-2376 for details.
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