DALLAS TWP. — Some may think the region is small, but an event sponsored by the Back Mountain Chamber showcased the variety of businesses in the area, Julianne Cariola said.
The 12th annual Back Mountain Business & Community Expo was held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 25 in Sandy and Marlene Insalaco Hall at Misericordia University.
The event featured 57 vendors from the Back Mountain and Wyoming Valley regions and attracted nearly 300 visitors, said Amy Campbell, event chairwoman and member of the Back Mountain Chamber.
“I’ve been coming to the expo every year since I was a freshman,” said Cariola, a senior Occupational Therapy student at Misericordia University. “I like seeing the new businesses.”
Every year, Cariol, who resides in Bucks County, learns something new at the expo.
“This year I learned about the Mother’s Day Brunch at Damien’s on the Lake,” she said. “My mom will be visiting for graduation at that time. I think I will take her for a Mother’s Day treat.”
Damien’s on the Lake in Harveys Lake Borough was one of the new vendors at the expo, Campbell said.
The restaurateurs offered samples of their pulled pork sandwiches and Caprese skewers while mingling with attendees.
Damien Kaye and Dani Novotny of Damien’s on the Lake said the Back Mountain Chamber’s event provides them an opportunity to showcase their restaurant.
“A lot of people did not know we were located at the lake,” Novotny said.
“The university has been very hospitable,” Kaye said.
Fire & Ice on Toby Creek and Gerrity’s Supermarkets also offered samples of their menu items.
Susquehanna Brewing Company and Pisano Family Wines provided beer and wine tastings to guests who were 21 years of age and older.
Pisano Family Wines located in Dallas was also a new Back Mountain businesses and vendor at the expo.
“The expo is a great way to get our name out,” Alison Pisano said, noting the winery opened in November at the Lakeway Beverage Plaza off Route 118.
The event also helped Tim Korn, who recently moved to Dallas from the Quakertown area, learn about the community.
“I am new to the area and this is a good segway to see what businesses are around,” Korn said.
Director of facilities at Misericordia University, Korn was excited to see different contractors in attendance.
“I was able to network with local contractors,” he said. “We like to work with local contractors as much as possible.”
Following the expo, Tony Brooks, director and curator of the Wilkes-Barre Preservation Society, held a free presentation on the restoration of The Butler House, noted to be the oldest home in Wilkes-Barre dating back to 1731.
