At 9 in the morning the crowd wasn't very big, but by 11 it had swelled several times.
It was a great success. Dozens of businesses showcased their products, children had fun in the temporary playground as well as in wagon rides and other activities, there were crane rides, food vendors had long lines outside their stalls. But to me the most wonderful part was seeing the thousands of people walking freely without masks (there were still some persons who chose to wear one), without fear of Covid, without tiny bottles of sanitizers, without bothered by police in spite of the fact that the crowd inside the building was so densely packed that you could hardly move without elbowing someone. Government police strolled around, some with masks, some without, generally keeping an eye out for any suspicious activity but for the most part thoroughly enjoying the event. Alcoholic drinks are not available at this expo which is a load off from many of the officer's shoulder as compared to other major shows outside of Spanish Lookout.
According to a community member I spoke with yesterday, the total amount of visitors for both Friday and Saturday was an estimated 27,000. Certainly much higher than the one in 2020, just before lockdowns came into effect. I was told traffic control boys patrolling the various entrances used handheld tally counters.
The two-day event kicked off Friday morning, March 25th, at 9 and ended at 5. On Saturday it opened at 8. When I left the grounds around midday on Saturday, the line of bumper to bumper traffic entering was more than a mile long.
How did this expo in Spanish Lookout become so popular? My personal opinion based on reviews from dozens of individuals over the years is that:
1. It is a well-organized, clean event. From the way the booths are set up down to the smallest safety cone standing at the furthest end of the road.
2. No booming stereos or DJ's screaming themselves hoarse.
3. No drunks wandering around with cups of half-and-half in their hand or thoughtless individuals blowing blue clouds of tobacco in your face.
4. Since there is no alcohol and no evening shows, there are no wild brawls and public fistfights.
The next expo will be held in 2024.
A. Mendoza
