Bash will welcome back winter visitors
Wednesday event will have more than 120 booths
“It’s a fun event. There will be shopping onsite. People can start shopping for Christmas. There will be a little bit of everything.” — Alex Espinoza, event manager
Yuma businesses recognize that winter visitors contribute enormously to their bottom line and the city’s economy. It’s no surprise that many of them are eager to welcome them back to the community.
Local businesses and organizations will get that chance this Wednesday at the 18th annual Winter Visitor Welcome Back Bash to be held at the Yuma Fairgrounds, 2520 E. 32nd St., from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free.
Winter visitors are invited to attend the “fun” event, where more than 120 local businesses will be ready to greet them.
“It’s bigger and better,” Event Manager Alex Espinoza said, noting that for the first year ever, so many vendors have signed up that the indoor venue has sold out and additional booths will also be set up outdoors.
“Wear comfortable shoes. There will be lots of walking,” she added.
No problem — the weather is expected to be a balmy 71 degrees and sunny.
About 2,500 visitors are expected to attend the bash.
“This is a way to welcome back winter visitors, and this is an opportunity for winter visitors to get to know businesses in the Yuma area,” Espinoza said. “It’s a fun event. There will be shopping on-site. People can start shopping for Christmas. There will be a little bit of everything.”
To point out the variety, she noted that booths will include dentists, gyms, solar companies, hearing aid professionals, medical spas, date companies and wood carvers. In addition, several Algodones, Mexico, businesses that cater to winter visitors will be there.
Food is always a hit at events, and this year’s bash will feature a handful of restaurants, many of them handing out samples. A favorite every year, a kettle popcorn vendor will also be selling the snack.
Many businesses will be holding raffles and giving away prizes. For example, representatives for the Home and Garden Show will be giving away tickets to an upcoming show, The Press Cafe and Bistro will hand out desserts, and Z Fun Factory will give away arcade, mini golf and golf cart gift certificates.
Yuma Regional Medical Center will have 10 booths with everything from health screenings to item giveaways.
RV World will have five recreational vehicles on display and open for walkthroughs.
Air Methods LifeNet, an air medical transport company, will have an interactive booth where winter visitors will be invited to insert a pushpin indicating their home bases on maps of the U.S. and Canada.
Nonprofit organizations such as the Humane Society of Yuma, Crossroads Mission and Yuma Community Food Bank will be on hand to share information on not only what they do but also how interested winter visitors can volunteer during their stay.
Several public organizations will also participate, including the Yuma Parks and Recreation Department, Yuma County Public Library and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Other businesses promising booths include Rural Metro, Weld Like A Girl, Sprouts and many more.
“And don’t forget to stop by the Yuma Sun booth to pick up your goodie bag,” Espinoza said, noting that the bags will be full of items donated by local businesses.
For more information on the event, call Espinoza at 928-539-6837.