OBGC Director Tom Luckie said that complications related to the pandemic had previously sidelined the expo which had long been one of the city's largest annual events.

He said people have been asking for the expo's return and this year it's happening.

The expo is a community event that allows sponsors to promote their services and goods while visitors enjoy live entertainment, carnival games and a variety of snacks and crafts.

Luckie said the club has been fortunate that despite the expo's absence the club has still done very well with sponsors and its annual raffle.

He pointed to the successful completion of the gym, which was made possible with major donations from the Carlisle family and others. He says the support for the club has been amazing, but with the success the club is growing its expenses as well.

He said the club has 150 or more kids bused to the club after school and that the place has never been busier.

Luckie said that the club now has eight employees to help out.

He said the club is important to the city and notes that many of those who come there have been visiting since they were six or seven.

Luckie said bringing back the expo hasn't been easy. He noted that many of the volunteers who were vital to the event aren't around any now. However, he said the board has been wanting to make it happen.

If you grew up in Ogdensburg odds are you've spent some time at the club and odds are even better that you’ve been to the expo.

The expo has always been a community oriented event. People often planned trips home around the expo, much like the Seaway Festival. It's an Ogdensburg event where you're likely to bump into friendly faces you've been missing.

Although this year's event will be scaled back a bit, taking place largely within the dome, Luckie says it should still be a big draw.

He said they are hoping to bring in 60 to 70 vendors and said there will still be room for crafters and carnival games.

He said live entertainment including local dancers and musicians as well as the concessions.

"Our board of directors have been great. They kept coming up with ways to support the club through the pandemic and have been the driving force behind bringing back the expo," he said.

Those looking to rent a table, donate or volunteer can do so by reaching out to obgc@hotmail.com .

The expo is set to kick off March 23 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.n. And March 24 from noon to 4:30 p.m.