Written by Heather Hymas
On Friday, May 29, and Saturday, May 30, southern Utah’s largest consumer show, the What Women Want Expo, will take place at the Dixie Convention Center. Now in its twelfth year in St. George, the show runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. The event coordinator for What Women Want, Shelly Smith, told The Independent that this year’s expo is bigger and better than ever, boasting over 170 vendors, with 60 new vendors since last year.
“We are always looking to find great vendors who have amazing offerings,” Smith said. “This year is the first to host some ‘edgier’ vendors. They will be really fun to check out!”
One of this year’s most exciting new vendors at the What Women Want expo is 314 Tattoo Parlor, home of several world-renowned artists. Their vision is to offer live demonstrations of stunning art becoming permanent. In addition to a booth at the Expo, 314 Tattoo is currently working to be compliant with the health department to be able to have a separate room where they will offer small tattoos and piercings. Be sure to stop by their booth for information and to sign-up. For those who want to get some body art that isn’t permanent, there will also be a Henna tattoo artist.
“There is something for everyone this year,” Smith said. “Lots of unique jewelry and clothing, ideas for health, fitness, fun, beauty, pampering, and hotness, as well as three psychic mediums and lots of things we didn’t know we couldn’t live without.”
Obviously the Expo will be offering much more than just shopping. In addition to booths, this year the stage will be hopping with fun games where contestants can win some amazing prizes. A game show in the format of “The Newlywed Game” will be the highlight on Saturday. However, instead of newlyweds, the game will feature either mother/daughter, sister/sister, or best friend teams. All contestants will take home a prize.
Smith said the Expo will also offer culinary delights.
“We encourage you to grab a meal while at the show,” she said. “We will have the most amazing Philly steak sandwich, hot pastrami, and the ultimate steak nachos. Other vendors will be offering samplings of goodies and snacks to munch on.”
Another aspect of the What Women Want Expo will be the opportunity for community members to help out and/or to give back. This year, they are partnering with the DOVE Center to help raise funds for awareness and education. “Round for Change” is a chance for shoppers to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar for a donation. In addition, attendees can drop off their neglected jewelry, and the DOVE Center will reclaim, refurbish, and resell it.
The main sponsor for the What Women Want Expo this year is Star Nursery. Dr. Q will be on stage sharing important information and tips for planting and growing in our dry desert climate. Watch for his presentations on how to make color bowls and herb gardens for the summer. Star Nursery’s booth is always a feast for the eyes, with stunning flower arrays, plants, and more.
In conjunction with the event a local favorite, Casa Dona Maria Restaurant, located at 720 East 700 South, will be hosting a party on Friday night for all expo-goers and anyone who would like to stop in for some great food and fun. The party will start right after the Expo closes at 8:30 p.m. and run until midnight. The cost is $10 per person, which includes food. There will also be a cash bar. Several of the vendors will be there with more prize giveaways.
If you are looking for the largest and most diverse collection of vendors, great food, shopping, sampling, free information, and the chance to have a lot of fun playing games and winning prizes, you don’t want to miss this year’s What Women Want Expo. It truly has something for everyone.
For more information, check out the event website at www.whatwomenwantexpo.com and join them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/whatwomenwantexpo for up-to-date details and a chance to win more prizes.
