GROVE CITY — The Grove City Chamber of Commerce's annual Trade Show connected thousands of people to some of the area's local businesses.

Beth Black, executive director for the chamber, said about 2,000 people attended the 15th annual show at Grove City College on Saturday, meeting and speaking with the nearly 120 vendors in attendance.

“The community really embraces and loves the event,” said Black, now in her sixth year with the chamber.

Black said the show had more vendors than recent years, adding the nice weather brought in a good crowd.

“It's a beautiful day outside,” she said. “I think a lot of people have cabin fever and are excited to get out.”

Ken Seivers, owner of Ken's Farm Market along New Castle Road in Slippery Rock Township, said the show is a great way to interact with local shoppers.

“It's great to meet local people and enhance local businesses,” Seivers said. “I really appreciate the chamber for doing this.”

Seivers, who sells a variety of things from home improvement tools to sheds, as well as fresh farm goods, said it was his third year attending the show as a vendor, but he has been visiting it as a patron for many years.

He said he appreciates the local community coming together for the event.

“The local aspect is something we should really emphasize,” he said.

While there were numerous home improvement stands showcasing their products, visitors were also greeted with some of the community's best cooking.

Deno Neofotistos, whose family owns the Main Street Diner in the borough, was promoting his restaurant's monthly Greek Nights.

“We're well known for our breakfast — it's something my dad built the business on — but I'm trying to draw people into our dinners,” Neofotistos said. “I'm trying to introduce something different into the community.”

Neofotistos said the Greek Nights have become his restaurant's busiest nights.

“Last month we had about 230 visitors during the two nights,” he said, adding it was quite an increase from the roughly 30 guests in attendance when the night started nearly two years ago.

Neofotistos said the trade show is a great way to get even more exposure for the restaurant and meet some local patrons in the process.

“Most people know us because we've been around forever,” he said. “But we're still gaining customers.”

People were not the only ones getting a taste of what the local community has to offer.

Grove City Agway & Pets was again giving away samples of its pet food.

“This is the best event we do all year,” said George Rodgers, owner of the store. “There's just so many local people here.”

Rodgers' shop, which specializes in specialty garden and pet supplies, has been a fixture at the trade show for years.

“We've been here ever since it started,” he said. “It's been a long time.”

The Agway and Pets booth was one of the more popular destinations, although that wasn't surprising to Rodgers.

“People love their pets and they want to treat them the best they can,” he said.

While the show proved a good place for the area's established businesses to better connect with their customers, it also served as a good opportunity for startup businesses as well.

April Aldstadt of Grove City had a booth displaying the Lemongrass Spa natural skin care products she sells from her Bessemer Avenue home.

The day marked Aldstadt's first trade show.

“I've really enjoyed meeting a lot of people here,” she said, adding the show is a great way to network with local customers.

Aldstadt said she hopes to return to the show next year.

It's an event Black is already looking forward to.

“Over 15 years the trade show has been a positive for the community, and I'm looking forward to the next 15 years and beyond,” she said.