ESCANABA — A day of plants, gardening, and fun is coming to the U.P. State Fairgrounds today for a plant expo.

Plantchella, organized by Ashley Scheiding aka “Plant Daddy Ashley” and Kathleen Blanchard of Events with Kathleen, will have its inaugural event on Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba.

Plantchella started as just an idea between Scheiding and Blanchard, but the pair hopes to make it a yearly event.

“I was a vendor at one of her (Blanchard) events and nonchalantly brought up hosting a big ‘planty’ event, the lightbulb lit up instantly in both of our brains; Plantchella. Between Kathleen’s amazing organization skills, ability to have a game plan set in place, and my social butterfly personality and social media skills, we got to work creating the best game plan that works for everyone,” Scheiding said.

The day will feature a free plant swap at the heart of the event, where attendees can bring a plant to trade, whether it be a cutting or a whole plant.

There are roughy 90 vendors on site, selling items such as plant starters, gardening materials, succulents, house plants, plant-themed crochet items, hanging baskets, raised garden beds, planters, woodworking for the garden, plant-themed jewelry, books, wind spinners, silverware sculptures, hand spun alpaca yarn, tea, handmade soap, freeze dried candy, watercolor paintings, potted veggies, handmade drop spindles, raw angora fiber, bird houses, ­tumblers, crystals, handwoven textiles, vintage planters, wired plant stakes and charms, exotic plants and so much more.

In addition to the plant swap and vendors, there will be adult activities, including corn hole and tarot card readings.

“We have a lot of kids activities as well — a make your own bird feeder activity, a Mother’s Day card making area, a balloon vendor, a paint your own pot and plant a flower station, face painting, and a huge 16 step sticker scavenger hunt featuring native Michigan flowers and birds,” Blanchard said.

Additionally, the Delta Conservation District will be handing out seed packets, and the local Wild Ones chapter will provide education about native landscapes and how to protect them.

“Protect the Porkies will be handing out information on the preservation of the Porcupine Mountains, and UP Pridefest will also have a representative there,” Blanchard said.

Guests won’t go hungry during the event as several food vendors will be on site, including Farendy Farms, Superior Lemonade, Girly Pop, Sailor Taylor’s Coffee Company, Main Squeeze, UP Gourmet Foods, and local sourdough baker, Antoinette Aagaard of Doughy Delights.

Blanchard and Scheiding are also using the event to give back to the community, something the pair says is essential for them to do.

“We are donating to the Civic Center in Escanaba, and we also have a raffle for the families of the victims of the fatal Little Lake accident that happened in January. It hit the community hard, and we want to help in whatever way we can, both through raising awareness and providing monetary help,” Blanchard said.

Guests may purchase tickets for donated items (2/$1 or 15 for $5), with all the proceeds going to the families.

“We will also have a booth in the center that has been pre-priced, and people can make purchases from that booth, and all the proceeds will go to the families as well,” she said.

Scheiding said it was a community effort to make Plantchella possible.

“I always say I have friends from all walks of life, and I love each and every one of them so dearly. Everyone has something special about them and everyone deserves to showcase exactly that,” she said.

Blanchard echoed Scheiding, saying working with not only each other but also local community members has been a dream.

“It was a lot meetings and admin work after we decided to make it happen, but I think working together has been a dream. We both have our strengths, and together we have been able to make something really magical happen for the community and hopefully make a big difference in the process,” she said.

The pair encourages the public to come experience Plantchella, as there is something for everybody.

“Plantchella is more than just plants! There will be something that catches everyone’s eye in one way or another! Come to see your favorite vendors, enjoy some food and handcrafted drinks, or just come say hi,” Scheiding said.