The Big Lake Chamber of Commerce Business Expo drew huge crowds to the high school Sunday. There was free food, provided by Coborn’s, The Friendly Buffalo, Complete Nutrition For Life and Team Chiropractic. While munching on healthy snacks and protein drinks, or maple nut ice cream and cupcakes, Expo goers were entertained by Dojo Karate and dancers from Jennifer’s School of Dance, Lucille Murray’s School of Dancing and Tempo Dance Studio. There was plenty of activity in the gymnasium too, with exhibitors from Big Lake and all around the region. With Spinning Sound deejaying for the event, there were plenty of giveways and prize drawings to sign up for. Exhibitors included the Big Lake School District and the City of Big Lake. Public Works Director Mike Goebel was on hand to talk about parks and trails among other things. Big Lake Mayor Raeanne Danielowski said she talked to a lot of people about their water bills, which are high now because the City of Big Lake had to build a new fresh water treatment plant and a new wastewater treatment plant in the last 10 years. Water Works “Some of this stuff was mandated by the state,” Danielowski said. “And we were expecting huge growth in the community before the economy changed.” One of the things the city is doing to help mitigate the water bills is to work on the Industrial Rail Park. “There is a steering committee,” Mayor Danielowski said. “With representatives from Burlington Northern from as far away as Texas and North Dakota, reperesentatives from the township and as far away as Otsego. They understand this is a growing region. This project could provide 1,200 jobs in Big Lake, which would really help the private sector.” In addition, when Cargill Kitchens closed a plant in Iowa, it brought 44 jobs to Big Lake because of its capacity to handle their water needs, Danielowski said. Commissioner Ewald Petersen flew out to Washington this week to lobby for the rail park and other issues. “He is going to get the message out,” Danielowski said. “Things will get better. Some things are starting to turn around already. The North Star apartments development is expected to break ground in the spring.” Litter In The Lake Other exhibitors included the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge and the Big Lake Lakes Association. Jen Berg was manning the booth. “People throw things away in the lakes and I don’t know if they think these things just break down but they don’t,” she said. “It takes 450 years for a diaper to break down and 500 years from now, that pop can will still be there.” Among the most insidious things people dispose of carelessly are cigarette butts. They break down after 12 years, releasing cadmium, lead and arsenic into the water. The Big Lake Lions were represented by Gene Earney and Bob Robideau, who reported the senior day out is scheduled for May 8 at The Friendly Buffalo. The Lions are also holding a pancake breakfast March 24, and a smelt fry in the coming weeks. Troy Robinson and Sarah Viefka were representing the Business Networking group, which meets every Tuesday morning at McPete’s from 7:30-9 a.m. Anyone interested in joining them is invited to attend. Among the creepiest exhibits was the Becker Pet Store, whose display included a wide variety of snakes and turtles. Wesley Newman and a girl clown named Spiglet were there from Just For Laffs, making balloon animals and other amazing creations. Another attraction which drew the younger set was a wooden cow which could be milked, brough to the expo by the Li’l Farmhnds organization, located at the Sherburne County History Center Campus. Big Lake Ambassadors Caricaturist Bill Morgan was busy drawing portraits of people, young and old. The Big Lake Ambassadors were painting faces and Ambassador candidates were selling candy bars to raise money for their program, which is entirely funded by the girls activities. They are preparing for their style show later this year. Another organization with upcoming events are the Big Lake Women of Today, who host a spring tea at Lion’s Park May 9 and the annual Easter Egg Hunt in Lakeside Park March 23 at 11 a.m. The Easter Egg Hunt is for children aged 12 and under. There were numerous others exhibiting, from politicians Nick Zerwas and Mary Kiffmeyer to the local churches, medical clinics and other organizations like the PTO in addition to businesses and local law enforcement. “It was a terrific turnout,” said Chamber President Tricia Skodje. “I was a little worried in the week or two before but lots of people signed up at the last minute.”