Elko Daily Free Press 4-28-10

Mining Expo has 317 vendors so far

ELKO — Elko Mining Expo 2010 is shaping up with 317 confirmed vendors so far, only 10 fewer than last year with more than five weeks to go before the June 10-11 show at the Elko Convention Center.

“So we’re in great shape,” Elko Convention and Visitors Authority Executive Director Don Newman told the ECVA board Tuesday morning.

This year’s Expo marks the 25th anniversary of the event that begins with a golf tournament at the Ruby View Golf Course June 7-8 and a community barbecue at 6 p.m. June 7 at Main City Park, featuring free food, a band and a tug-of-war.

“We want to bring the community out,” Newman said regarding the barbecue. “It’s going to be fun.”

Motorcycles and antique cars will be displayed at the barbecue, and ECVA board member Connie Campbell suggested they have a people’s choice vote on the displays, with commemorative 25th anniversary coins as prizes.

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Newman said the ECVA is looking for tug-of-war teams for the annual event that is at the start of the Expo week this year, rather than at the end. The teams will be made up of eight people, and there can be a coach and an alternate. Teams interested in signing up can contact the convention center at 738-4091.

Although the number of vendors signed up is at 317, vendors often rent more than one booth space. The total number of booths available this year is 438, including 47 in the back lot that were added this year, compared with 391 booths in 2009.

Newman said the added outdoor sites are selling, “but not as fast. They will be the last opportunity to get into the show.” He said most of those renting those sites likely will be newcomers.

Following the golf tournament and barbecue, the annual kickoff banquet is planned June 9 at Stockmen’s Hotel & Casino.