WILTON – Franklin County Chamber of Commerce members are getting ready for the 15th Greater Franklin Business Expo planned for March 14.

With a change of name from the Home and Leisure Show to Greater Franklin Business Expo this year, businesses and organizations from around the county are preparing for the event, said Shannon Smith, organizer.

“Vendor applications have been coming in slowly in this economy, but it’s never too late to sign up” she said.

The Business Expo will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Nichols Expo Center on Weld Street and provides an opportunity to show products and services to attendees. In past years, as many as 2,000 people have visited the show.

To celebrate the 15th year, people are invited to participate in a cake-baking contest. There are divisions for under age 15 and over 15. Bakers can bring a baked, decorated cake highlighting the 15th year to the Expo by 9 a.m. for judging at 11:30 a.m. After judging, they’ll be served to the public, she said.

People with a special chowder recipe are also welcome to bring ingredients and prepare the dish there in a Chowdah Cook-off. Entry in the cook-off is free but contestants must pre-register.

Vendor registration and pre-registration for the Chowdah Cook-off or cake baking contest can be done by calling 778-4215, or online at www.franklincountymaine.org

Another popular event is a fishing pond for kids. The indoor pond stocked with fish allows kids five minutes to fish for $5, she said.

The Business Expo is a fundraiser for the chamber, which is moving to the former site of the Chocolate Shoppe on Wilton Road.

More information about the Greater Franklin Business Expo is available online at www.franklincountymaine.org