Jim Poston shares information about the Jessie May Olsen Memorial Garden. Ciello shared their products and services with attendees. Photos by Anthony Guerrero 

 MONTE VISTA— The annual 2019 Home and Garden Expo was held at Ski Hi Park on the weekend of Friday, March 1 through Sunday, March 3. Around 30 vendors participated in the event showing off their home and garden equipment, services and even food items.
The expo was hosted by the Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by several local businesses and organizations. A steady stream of community members poured into Ski Hi Park over the weekend with the biggest event attendance occurring on Saturday.
Also on Saturday were four special presentations. City Councilor and Neighborhood Watch 365 President Kathy Lorenz along with volunteer Margot Alexander and the Monte Vista Police Department K-9 Unit gave a presentation on Neighborhood Watch and reminded everyone that if they see something suspicious to say something and report it to authorities. They invited everyone to the monthly meetings that are often full of informative activities. They described how in one recent meeting it was fun to see the K-9 in action and determining in a mock setting as a group who had brought contraband into the meeting.
Laura Conchelos owner of Sandhill Solar gave a presentation on her business. She described the benefits of solar energy for homes and businesses and showed photographs of some of her recent work. Sam Scavo gave a presentation on behalf of the Colorado State Forest Service, and Young Living Oils also talked about their product.
There were many vendors that attracted the crowd throughout the expo. Some of the more popular booths proved to be Mt. Blanca Fudge, Jessie May Olsen Memorial Garden, Rio Grande Public Health, City Councilor Gary Johnson’s World’s Best Fudge, Ciello, Southern Colorado Computer Services, Jaffra and LuLaRoe.
In addition to the fudge vendors there were also others selling food items. The ever popular Chef Charles set up his famous BBQ truck outside sending whiffs of his delicious meat through the air. Linda’s Chili Connection was also present offering a variety of different flavors for cooking needs.
The annual event that introduces the spring season and events to Monte Vista was successful as ever. All the attendees seemed to highly enjoy the event and leave with smiles on their faces and perhaps some new items.