Eagles wedding expo showcases local vendors
Owatonna Eagles banquet manager Jen Hexum shows off a room at the building on Rose Street that is fully decorated for the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism annual dinner. She’s working with a group of local businesses to hold a March 16 Wedding & Formal Wear Expo. Staff photo by Joni Hubred
-Jen Hexum, Eagles Banquet Manager
“The beautiful thing about Owatonna is we have everything here you need for a wedding.”
Owatonna Eagles banquet manager Jen Hexum says “everything” means photography, floral, formal wear, shoes, honeymoon attire, wedding party gifts, entertainment services, rentals, printed invitations, venues, and more. She’s part of a group bringing together area vendors for a March 16 Wedding & Formal Wear Expo at the Eagles club, 141 Rose St.
The civic group is all about people helping people, Hexum said, and this event, in partnership with The Dress Shop owner Karie Pankowski, fits with that mission.
“It really is a community effort, and that’s what I think is really exciting,” she said. “It’s a collaboration with fellow vendors.”
The expo includes a runway show with models walking an elevated platform. They’ll be dressed in wedding gowns, tuxedos, mother-of-the-bride and flower girl dresses. Hexum said anyone looking for formal wear–maybe a dress or tux for prom– is welcome.
Guests can also enter a raffle drawing and will have plenty of time to meet participating merchants and service providers. Hexum expects to see around 30 vendors but said they’re “still trying to conceptualize the layout.”
The event will also give people exposure to an event location they may never have considered.
“I think the Eagles is a sleeper venue in town,” said Hexum, who has worked as banquet manager for about a year.
People may think that the club is exclusive, but anyone can rent the facility. Hexum said she and Chef Gar can be flexible when working with couples to plan their perfect wedding, and “he’s exceptional at creating menus on a budget.”
“We can do something very elaborate here or something very economical,” she added.
Hexum said the committee will accept vendor applications through Feb. 21; an application is posted at eagles1791.com, under the Events tab. A mission statement for the event makes clear that the expo is a collaboration:
“Your participation is an investment in the growth and vitality of our local business ecosystem, contributing to a thriving network that benefits us all. Together, let's create an unforgettable experience for attendees while mutually advancing our businesses and enhancing the fabric of our community."
There’s no admission charge for the Wedding & Formal Wear Expo, which will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.