RUMFORD – The River Valley Expo on Saturday had a definite youth emphasis, as many parents brought their children to see the exhibits, some of which were staffed by teenagers representing their organizations.

“I really like the community part, getting involved with the community,” said Whitney Howard of the Mexico Police Department Explorers. The Explorers were busy throughout the day giving out free child-safe gun locks, along with valuable safety information for parents and children and materials promoting a healthy, drug and alcohol-free lifestyle for youths.

It was the first time the Expo had taken place since 2005, and several dozen vendors had the opportunity to promote their businesses and organizations. Organizing the Expo, noted co-chairwoman Cheryl Dickson, involved “a lot of teamwork, energy, emotion. It’s a long process.”

From securing a space for the event to sending out registration forms, to surveying businesses and citizens to see what they wanted at this year’s Expo, the River Valley Chamber of Commerce put together the event with goals of promoting local businesses and enlightening people to the many services offered in River Valley towns.

“The Chamber does it to show what is here in the River Valley, keeping business local,” Dickson said.

Rumford Selectman Frank DiConzo was grateful that the Expo was back and hoped it could take place every year.

“People can see what’s here,” he said. “It’s good promotion for our area.”

DiConzo was pleased to see the number of children, particularly teenagers, looking at the displays and interacting with vendors.

“What’s nice to see is some of the parents are bringing their kids here,” he said. “When they grow up, they’ll say, ‘Maybe I want to come back here.”’

A business-to-business night took place Friday, in which business owners networked and shared ideas. Booth awards were presented to ERA Worden, large business; Send Out Cards, small business; the River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition, nonprofit; and Rumford Group Homes, Spirit of the Expo.

Those attending Saturday’s event had the chance to partake in a chicken barbecue put on to benefit the Relay for Life. Many raffles were held during the day, and there were several displays outside the Mountain Valley High School gymnasium.

“It’s a really good way for the community to show itself,” said Mexico Town Manager John Madigan. “Your average citizen doesn’t know how many businesses are here. It’s a good thing for the community to see what’s available. Communities depend on these types of organizations to keep things going.”