RUMFORD – More than 150 businesses, towns, civic groups, health care agencies and other organizations will show what they have to offer at the second annual River Valley Business Expo on Saturday.

More than 2,000 people from around the state visited last year’s event at Mountain Valley High School when about 100 exhibits were on display.

Even more visitors are expected this year with the additional exhibits and growing interest in the area.

Rosie Bradley, chairwoman of the River Valley Business Expo Committee, said many people and organizations didn’t know what to expect at the first event. Now they do.

“They are excited and jumping on the bandwagon,” she said.

The committee learned from last year’s inaugural event and have made a few changes that should help exhibitors and visitors. All outside exhibits, such as the Central Maine Medical Center Lifeflight helicopter, several fire departments’ trucks, and other large exhibits will be set up at the Muskie Auditorium entrance to the high school.

Inside, all exhibits will be on display in the cafeteria, gymnasium and band room.

The free event, which promises lots of giveaways, will also provide free child care under the watch of Maureen’s Pre-School in two of the high school’s classrooms. Parents can drop off their young children, then visit the displays.

In addition to dozens of business displays, the towns of Rumford, Hanover and Mexico will have booths, and several health care providers will offer blood pressure screenings and other health-related information. The Moontide Water Festival Committee will hold fund-raisers for next year’s July 4 events.

The Mountain Valley High School Boosters Club will serve a chicken barbecue and other food just outside the auditorium doors starting at 11 a.m. The same group will also provide a breakfast menu from the high school’s kitchen beginning at 9 a.m.

A free shuttle bus from Rumford Elementary School to the high school, provided by Western Maine Transportation, will run every few minutes throughout the day.

Bradley said she has received many calls from businesses outside of the 10-town River Valley area, and some have joined the River Valley Chamber so they could participate.

On Friday from 4 to 7 p.m., all exhibits will be set up, and participating businesses and others who have a business card will have a chance to meet each other and do some networking. At 7:30 p.m., awards will be presented for the best exhibits at a social sponsored by the Eagles.

The annual event is hosted by the River Valley Growth Council and the River Valley Chamber of Commerce.