By Nick Sellers | Staff Writer

MADISON – Drawing crowds that numbered well over 3,000 in totality, the annual Business Expo and Kids Day offered those who attended a sampling of local businesses and services, all with a “superhero” theme.

The event, held from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Hogan Family YMCA off of Hughes Road, featured booths from Madison and Madison-area businesses and attractions run by Madison police and fire departments. To cool off, a water slide was offered to children just outside the vendor area.

For Bill and Melissa Fisher, it was a familiar atmosphere for their kids to have fun.

“We’re members of the Y, so we decided to come and let the kids see everything,” Melissa said. “They really liked seeing all the emergency vehicles.”

Parking was offered by the Hogan Y, as well as at CrossPointe Church across Hughes Road. Madison Assisted Ride System (MARS) gave use of its vehicles to shuttle visitors to and from parking lots throughout the day.

In addition to the police and fire departments, Madison’s Parks and Recreation held a booth at the event that hosted a cornhole toss game for prizes. Several other booths offered athletic challenges for the children.

“We try to go above and beyond to make sure the kids have a fun time,” volunteer coordinator Gayle Milam said.

Madison Chamber of Commerce executive director Elaine Ballew credited the event’s superhero theme with increased enthusiasm among the kids present.

“They really were involved with the theme,” Ballew said. “From a business standpoint, this is why we shop local, to support the businesses in our city.”

Hogan Family YMCA executive director Daniel Kasambira praised the local non-profit agencies with putting on the event, as well as Xerox Corporation for donating $1,000 to the Nutrition on Weekends (N.O.W.) program.