Women from all over the community gathered to support victims of domestic violence by exploring vendors, participating in door prizes and learning more about businesses throughout Opelika.
The fourth annual Auburn-Opelika Women’s Expo, presented by the Opelika-Auburn News, was held at the Bottling Plant Event Center in downtown Opelika on Thursday, Sept. 21. Vendors set up tables and gave away samples to the women walking to each table.
Upon arrival, each woman was given a free bag and a program that detailed the vendors present, advertisements and tips for women to live by daily. There were raffles each visitor could enter and had the chance at winning numerous gift cards and other great prizes.
The event was free but donations were taken for local victims of domestic violence.
Vendors present at the Thursday night event included Waffle House, Initial Outfitters, Hornsby Farms and Mary Kay consultants.
Sheila Haydel, OA News advertising director, explained that they began the women’s expo in hopes of bringing not your typical brick-and-mortar businesses to the forefront of the community. The group hopes this helps locally owned businesses to gain customers and recognition for all of their hard work.
“We have one every year, so come out and support a good cause and local businesses,” Haydel said.
Vendors and workers present said they felt lucky to be a part of the Auburn-Opelika community.
Amelia Trenga, general manager of Opelika Mexican restaurant La Cantina, explained that they set up a table at the Women’s Expo in hopes of gaining new customers. They were handing out free samples of homemade guacamole with chips and salsa.
“We are happy to be out and supporting the community,” Trenga said.
She explained the family atmosphere that surrounds the community.
“When you have events like this you get to see a lot of the same people, but you also get to see a lot of new people and make new connections,” Trenga said.
The OA News event team is gearing up for more events coming to the community, Haydel said, which includes their largest happening: the Bridal Extravaganza taking place Jan. 2018.
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