Outside the Radisson Hotel the streets were relatively quiet, but inside the atmosphere was bustling. The Made in NH Expo is an event by New Hampshire Business Magazine. The Expo brought crowds to the venue -- families and singles alike from an array of ages and backgrounds. This year was its 19th year and the excitement could be felt in the air.
Upon entering, you were greeted with a map of the event. The vendors were great in numbers and unique in products and services. A stage was presented in the back corner of a group of at least twelve performers and filled the room with local music. One may initially expect to find a whole expo on maple syrup or any other cliché product New Hampshire is known for -- this was far from the case. This was a community.
The first stand I visited was all about New Hampshire tourism. A gentleman, dressed in cut off shorts, a raccoon hat, and red converse, greeted me. I soon realized that it was him -- New Hampshire’s own Wolfman. Wolfman, for those who are unfamiliar, is the menace that chases the train through Clark’s Trading Post in Lincoln, NH. As a child, this was an attraction my parents would often take us to during the summertime months. The emotions flew through me, as I seemed to remember a somewhat terrifying experience with Wolfman as a child but after receiving a picture and autograph, my fears diminished.
As I worked my way through the crowd, I found myself at a kiosk that had a unique product. This gentleman used to collect shed moose antlers and quickly discovered his dogs chewing on them. He has turned this observation into a successful business. He buys moose antlers that are naturally shed and turns them into dog chew toys. Across from him sat a business out of Nashua called Yogibo. At first I was hesitant to sit in these comfortable bean and lounge chairs, but after some persuasion, I jumped right in and did not want to leave. Bean bags made in New Hampshire? I saw it, experienced it -- and I didn’t want to get up. I was also given the opportunity by WMUR to be a weather woman. In front of a green screen I stood with my hand stretched out, trying to show the storm system making its way to New Hampshire but in reality, I was showing the clear skies of Canada. I should stick to history as I would not be a very good weather woman.
There were also vendors present that were strictly service based. New Hampshire Made was there. As I read their mission, I began to gain a greater appreciation for the event. “The mission of NH Made is to strengthen New Hampshire's state economy by increasing the awareness and demand for New Hampshire-made products and services and providing the support programs local businesses need to grow.”
As I left the event, with a full stomach from all the samples, I found myself even more proud to be a New Hampshire resident and going to a school in the middle of all of this entrepreneurship. Of course there was maple syrup, maple candy, and even maple cotton candy there but the event boasted so much more. From 3-D paintings, to hand carved bowls and cutting boards, the event was inspiring. From Food Coops to Local Restaurants, it showed its diversity. New Hampshire is full of opportunity and talent. Next time you at a store, look around and explore what this community has accomplished and don’t forget to try the hot sauce while sitting in your bean bag.
