Businesses Hand Out Samples, Info at Communtiy Expo

More than 30 businesses were on hand Tuesday to provide a sampling of their services at the Affton Chamber of Commerce’s Third Annual Community Expo.

Held at Orlando Gardens, the venue featured an array of food to sample, from barbecue to pizza to desserts. The event also offered information on a variety of local companies in industries such as computer repair, health care, construction, home improvement and banking.

Five-year-old Aiden Fischer attended with his great-grandmother Myra Kunz and enjoyed munching down on the free samples, particular the “meatloaf lollipop” provided by the Orlando Gardens catering staff.

“I thought it would be neat to come and eat some of the food,” Kunz said, adding that she also hoped to take advantage of the free child ID service provided by the St. Louis County Police.

Another vendor doling out the free eats was Kenrick Meats and Catering. Employees Reed Varney and Pat Schwartze handed out cupfuls of barbecue pulled pork—“It’s our signature dish,” Varney said—and explained that it was always good to get their name out.

Nearby Paul Horn with Harster Heating and Air Conditioning tried a different tactic to lure passerbys—the giveaway of Kindle e-book reader. Horn said Harster has been operating in Affton since 1950 and events such as the expo are always fun.

“It’s interesting to see the people who we have crossed with over the years,” he said. “It’s good to be out here in the community.”

Affton resident Kim Peterson explored the vendors with her neighbor, chamber member Ed Jordan. Jordan said the event is a chance for people to learn more about businesses they weren’t even aware were in their own backyard. Even in a community as small as Affton, Peterson agreed this could be true.

“There are some that I didn’t even know about,” Peterson said.

For more information about business, organizations and services in Affton, check out the chamber's website or visit Patch's place listings.