Bedford group expects big business at trade fair

Bedford Business Association members Sandie Greenwood-Mominee, left, and Sue Kujawa at the group's annual trade fair in March, 2013.

TEMPERANCE — Organizers of the 31st annual Bedford Business Association Trade Fair anticipate 12,000 to 15,000 visitors will walk through Bedford High School doors during the event’s run there next weekend.

The fair, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, is the group’s biggest fund-raiser of the year, said Laura Collins, a past BBA president and the fair’s co-chairman. Admission is free.

Proceeds pay for operating expenses, including the mortgage on the BBA’s building at 8204 Secor Rd.

“We have almost 300 members, and our mission is to better the business climate in Bedford Township,” Ms. Collins said. The group sponsors road cleanups and scholarship drives and meets monthly.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office kicks off the entertainment on Saturday with a police dog demonstration at 10:15 a.m.

Karen Daggett, another event co-chairman, said nearly 200 booths will be set up by businesses and organizations.

“We’re going to have a live, remote radio station broadcasting for two hours on Saturday,” she said. “We have a lot of new businesses looking to promote their businesses this year, a lot of first-timers.”

Parking is free at the high school and junior high.