New site for Mokena business expo, health fair

• Reprints

Updated: March 21, 2012 8:04AM

The Mokena Chamber of Commerce will hold its seventh annual Community Business Expo and Health Fair at a new location this year.

The chamber has partnered with the Mokena Park District, which will host the event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at The Oaks Recreation and Fitness Center, 10847 W. LaPorte Road.

“We’re very excited about it,” said Ellen Bailey, the event chair.

The center’s fieldhouse offers more space for the 62 vendors who had registered as of last week. Bailey said vendor registration will remain open “until the last minute.”

In a first for the event, the park district will host a “Business Before Hours,” catered by Eggcetera Cafe from 8 to 9 a.m.

“It’s a way for vendors to network and get to know each other before the expo,” Bailey said.

Visitors to the expo also will be able to view the park district’s annual “Showcase of Art” display, featuring artwork by students of all ages in the park district’s arts and crafts programs.

The free event begins with an “Artist Gallery Opening” from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday in The Oaks lobby. The artwork will remain on display during regular hours throughout the weekend.