Formerly known as the Kiwanis Home and Garden Show and Pancake Days, the newly renamed Kiwanis Spring Expo reflects the event’s growth and its broadened focus on community connection, family activities, and a wider range of exhibitors. The expo brings together exhibitors and a range of attendees to prepare for and celebrate the arrival of spring while raising funds to support programs for area children — as is Kiwanis’s mission.

A long-standing Delta County tradition, the expo offers an platform for vendors, nonprofits, and educational organizations to showcase products and services to residents preparing for spring projects. In the past, the focus of the event was garden-heavy, but as more vendors in the home improvement sector and other miscellaneous suppliers have been taking part, Kiwanis recognized it was time for a change in branding.

“Our new name reflects how the event has grown — bringing together businesses, nonprofits, and families for a weekend that celebrates community while supporting programs for local children,” said Escanaba Kiwanis Club President Casey Wright. “We’re excited to welcome both returning and new vendors to this year’s Spring Expo.”

In 1922, the Escanaba-Wells Kiwanis Club became the first in the Upper Peninsula to join into the hundreds-strong band of Kiwanis clubs through the U.S. and Canada. The local club began hosting “Pancake Days” — the fundraising event that evolved into the Spring Expo — in 1957.

A presentation on gardening at a past spring event hosted by the Escanaba Kiwanis Club at the U.P. State Fairgrounds. (Daily Press file photo by Ilsa Minor)

For the annual occurrence, the Ruth Butler Building fills with exhibitors, community groups, families, and the scent of fresh Kiwanis pancakes.

This year, the expo hours will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 10; from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. that Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday the 12th.

Vendors interested in participating may call 906-786-6013 for booth availability and registration details. Another option is to email Kiwanis.SpringExpo@gmail.com or check out the website at escanabakiwanis.org.

“Vendors participating in the Kiwanis Spring Expo can expect ample booth space, strong community attendance, family-friendly activities, and on-site support from the Kiwanis Club to ensure a successful weekend,” said the club in a press release.

General attendees may be interested to hear that food trucks and live music by Wingin’ It will be onsite from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for Friday night’s kickoff.

Saturday will feature a carnival-themed “Family Night” with free entertainment and snacks for children from 4 to 6 p.m.

Smart Gardening Series presented by MSU Extension and the Delta County Master Gardeners, offering practical gardening and landscaping insights, will be scheduled periodically during the event.

The core sponsor of this year’s Spring Expo is American Metal Roofs of Northern Wisconsin.

Proceeds from the event support the Escanaba Kiwanis Club’s mission to “strengthen the community through service.” Funds raised help provide programs and initiatives that benefit local youth throughout the year.

The club is part of Kiwanis International, a global organization “dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.”