By Linda Scherer
Staff Writer

WINSTED, MN – Experience this year’s ninth annual Winsted Women’s Expo with more than 70 vendors presenting a variety of products and services Saturday, April 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Blue Note Ballroom in Winsted.

“It’s a fun, social shopping event and a great way to kick off spring,” Julie Guggemos, Winsted Women’s Expo committee member said.

There will be door prizes drawn throughout the morning. Admission is free, but those attending are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for the McLeod County Emergency Food Shelf.

Last year’s event was attended by 450 people, the largest number to-date in the expo’s nine years.

Guggemos is hoping for another good year.

“I do think it will be a good expo because we do have a good mix of vendors,” Guggemos said. “Since it’s targeted to women, they are sure to find something that is interesting.”

There will be many new first-time vendors coming to this year’s expo. Some of the vendors mentioned by Guggemos are Life Coaching for Relationships with Susan Wagener, a Christian life coach for marriage and family; hand-crafted soaps by Alice Larson of Howard Lake; handbags, wallets, children’s items, and baskets, which can be personalized by thirty-one owner Nicole Keskey of Cokato; and a traveling spa business called BeautiControl with treatments for face, feet, lips, hands, and more, with Katie Bettenhausen, BeautiControl Consultant from Hutchinson.

Guggemos also named a few of the vendors that are returning this year. The Blue Note will be back offering food samples.

Party decorators Bob Kegler and Tom Specken will return as vendors. Once again they showed their expertise by decorating the Blue Note for the expo.

“But they also do more than just decorate the Blue Note,” Guggemos said. “They decorate for weddings, and other venues at other locations.”

Winstock will not only be a vendor again, but it has donated two free Winstock tickets to be given away as door prizes.

Other favorites returning include Pampered Chef, Winsted Floral, and Mary Kay cosmetics.

There will also be businesses promoting services including chiropractic, massage therapy, and dental.

A number of nonprofit organizations will be present as a service to the community including the Winsted Public Library, Winsted Arts Council, McLeod County Advocate for Victims of Domestic Violence, Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, and Alateen.

The Winsted Women’s Expo committee members are Sarah Fasching, Julie Guggemos, Erin Kutz, and Jennifer Stratton.

This year’s expo is sponsored by the Winsted Area Chamber of Commerce, Flagship Insurance & Financial Services, and Scentsy.