Last year there was a steady stream of people checking out the exhibitors. What better way to get to know the people who provide so many services in your community? Tinkess Photo

WINCHESTER – The Spotlight is a weekly feature of The Record. It is a chance to “shine a light” on a small business or organization within our coverage area and tell our readers a bit about them, perhaps how long they have been in business, what new things they are creating or providing, and even what they do better than anyone else.

This week, however, is a little bit different, because once a year you have many of the best of what North Dundas has to offer all gathered under one roof, so that their clients, past, present, and future can squeeze a whole lot of information into a very short timeframe.

I’m writing, of course, about the 2026 North Dundas Local Business Expo which takes place on Sat., April 25 from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Joel Steele Community Centre at 577 Main St. in Winchester.

The Expo, which is a collaboration between the Township of North Dundas and the North Dundas Chamber of Commerce was this year, a sell-out, as Stephen Mann, Economic Development Officer happily told everyone at the recent North Dundas Business Breakfast. That means there will be 100 exhibitors eagerly waiting to show and tell you what they have to offer, and to listen to any questions you may have. It is essentially a chance to meet and speak with the people in your community who make the community what it is. When you hear the phrase “Shop Local,” these are the people being talked about.

But there’s more! There will be entertainment, such as a live stage performance by JWSD Evolution and the Vanguard Self-Defense Academy, and a magic show by the ever-popular Dr. Kaboom. Outside there will be an opportunity to “touch a truck,” which always attracts a large following. There will be door prizes, the Business Expo Passport Stamp game, and don’t forget to pick up your free sugar maple or white spruce seedling when you arrive (while supplies last.)

And if you start to feel a hunger coming on, Iron Forge Pizza, Harvest Coffee and Triple B Canteen will be there to fill that void. You might also want to stop by On the Bend Sugar Shack, La Belle Evangeline, and Morewood RA who will be exhibiting as well as serving.

And just in case you didn’t notice, the Expo isn’t restricted only to the arena floor. Upstairs in the Community Hall, you’ll find another 30+ vendors. If you don’t like stairs, no worries, there’s an elevator. (Make sure you stop by the Winchester Bike Night display and let them know how much they were missed last summer!)

Safe to say there is more than enough to fill most of your Saturday, but with so much information to gather and so many good people to meet, it will be time well spent. These are the people who make up your community, and who give back to your community. It’s time you got to know them better, don’t you think?

If you would like to have a light shined on your business, please contact us at: editor@etceterapublications.ca or call us at 613-448-2321.