By MATT LINDSEY

OGDENSBURG – The Ogdensburg Boys and Girls Club largest fundraiser of the year celebrates 40 years March 11-13 with boats, RVs, live entertainment, vendors, bounce houses, food and a chance to win $5,000.

“We are celebrating 40 years of the vent which has been a mainstay of the club and helps fund our $366,000 operating costs,” said Tom Luckie Jr., club executive director.

The expo will run from 3 until 9 p.m. on Friday, March 11 and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 12. Hours on Sunday, March 13 are from noon to 4:30 p.m.

Admission is $5 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under.

“We are looking to make in the ballpark of $90,000,” Luckie said. This is the largest fundraiser of the year for the club who supports activities for boys and girls ages 6-19.

In addition to dozens of exhibits and displays of boats, autos, trucks, local businesses and crafters, an inflatable obstacle course will be offered at the carnival portion of the expo that also includes several games and activities designed for children.

There will be live entertainment throughout each day on the main stage along with OFA bands and dance groups slated to perform.

Crafters and vendors will be selling their wares in the gym.

“Our vendor floor is full with many vendors returning from previous years,” he said.

Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center will be on hand on the main floor for a health fair to offer free health screenings and information.

The boys and girls club raffle returns with a chance to win $5,000, courtesy of Blevins Auto Group, or several other prizes. Tickets are $10.

Second and third prizes are $1,500 gift certificates to Gardner’s Flooring and Furniture. Fourth prize is a family membership (maximum of four) to Northern Physical Therapy. Fifth place is $1,000 cash from St. Lawrence Federal Credit Union. A technical/engineering package from NBT Bank and a $1,000 gift certificate to Save-A-Lot round out prizes.

A separate raffle with items donated from many local businesses will also be held. Tickets are $2 and there are over 100 prizes.

True to tradition, this year will again include many vehicles including RVs, boats and trucks for spectators to view and talk about with sales professionals.

Seaway Valley Jumpers will have their inflatable obstacle course in the kids’ section along with carnival games and more. On March, for a $5 special deal, kids can play on the obstacle course all day.

The club will honor staff and businesses during the opening ceremony on Friday at 3:30 p.m. who have spent countless hours helping with the expo. Those to be recognized for their hard work and impact on the expo include Rev. Tom Patterson, Tom Brady and Stewarts Shops.

“Rev. Thomas Patterson has been a long-time supporter and is a former board member,” he said. “Tom Brady is an alumni and volunteers throughout the year assisting with expo and other club projects. Stewarts Stores supports the club by conducting a yearly Holiday Match with the OBGC receiving funding each year from the program.”

There will be familiar foods ready to purchase including hotdogs and hamburgers, French fries, snow cones, candy apples, lemonade and more.

“We are hoping for good weather…but not too good,” Luckie said.

For more information about Expo call 393-1241, or www.obgclub.com.