It’s been a long, cold winter. Too long.

And cabin fever is setting in.

However, the annual Geographical Center Chamber of Commerce’s Spring Expo is just around the corner – Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28 at the city armory.

Here’s an opportunity to get out of the house, and get re-connected to the community and its business sector.

This year’s expo features more than 30 exhibitors, including several home-based businesses that provide specialty products and services. Of course, there will be commercial businesses with booths as well as some local organizations. Some of the businesses scheduled to be on display have been part of the show for many years. Plus, there are plenty of new additions to keep the show fresh.

It’s a great time to catch up on what’s new in your community. Many businesses and organizations are using this as a chance to showcase or unveil a new service or idea.

The annual event is more than just an opportunity for vendors to display their services to hundreds of people in an informal setting. It’s also a chance for people to come together and visit. Those in attendance can also enjoy a meal with concessions served by the Rugby High School FFA. There will be plenty of door prizes, as well.

Attendance at the annual Expo over the years has been good, but not great, and chamber officials continue to work to add new features and keep popular ones to appeal to a wide audience. Back this year are the Wii video game competitions for all ages. Bingo will also be played throughout the show.

Entertainment will be proved by some of the Ely Elementary School children as well as the Just for Kix youth dance group.

If you feel like lending a hand, the chamber of commerce is always looking for help staffing the admission booth. Those interested can contact the chamber office for further details on the volunteer opportunities.

Perhaps the cold winter and with many people confined to the indoors will lead to renewed interest in the Expo.

So make sure to take in the Expo later this week. At the very least, it’s a reason to get out of the house.