The eighth annual Taste & Trade Expo kicked off this morning at 10 a.m. at the Manahan Orthopedic Capital Center in Winona Lake.

The expo is a unique event. At first glance, it looks like any other business convention. Retail, service, manufacturing and not-for-profit business from all over Kosciusko County set up information booths in MOCC.

What sets Taste & Trade apart: many of the exhibitors have food samples to lure attendees to their booths. As soon as you walk through the door, your nostrils will be filled with tantalizing smells.

Exhibitors have everything from chips and dip to delicious desserts. Be sure to show up with an empty stomach.

Puruse the booths, stop for information if you’re interested. Listen to some live music while you browse.

One of the main attractions at Taste & Trade this year is an exact replica of Abraham Lincoln’s coffin, featured at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home. There was quite a crowd around it when I passed by.

Additionally, many of the exhibitors are holding raffles, giveaways, door prizes – not to mention plenty of swag (I left with a new frisbee and some office supplies).

There are nearly 100 exhibitors, and 3,000 people are expected to walk through the expo. The festivities have ended for today, but the expo will be open again from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11.

General admission for the event is $3 with children 12 and under offered free and parking is free.

For more information or to register as an exhibitor please contact the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce at (574) 267-6311×226 or email [email protected].