By MATT LINDSEY

OGDENSBURG -- Six to eight thousand people are expected to attend the 39th annual Ogdensburg Boys and Girls Club Expo, which kicks off Friday, March 13 and continues through Sunday with boats, bounce houses, vendors, food, live entertainment and a live auction featuring sports memorabilia.

"It is a couple weeks earlier this year and hopefully that means it’s a sign of spring" said Tom Luckie, executive director of the club.

The expo will run from 3 to 9 p.m. on March 13, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on March and noon until 4 p.m. on March 15.

Admission is $5 for adults, $4 per child and a family rate of $20 for a family of five or more. Admission includes the exhibit and craft area as well as free entertainment.

"The first 100 paid kids will receive a free stuffed animal this year,” he said.

The expo is the club's major fundraiser each year, Luckie said.

"Last year we brought in over $90,000 and we hope to match that again this year. Our operating costs for the year are a little over $350,000," he said.

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

There will be a live auction Saturday featuring an autographed basketball from Los Angeles Laker star Kobe Bryant, tickets to a Duke vs. North Carolina game next season, an autographed Syracuse Orangemen team photo as well as other items.

We plan to have several bands, singers and dance groups performing during the weekend as well, Luckie said.

Raffle tickets will be sold with a grand prize of $5,000. Tickets cost $10 each.

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.

Those looking for a bargain or something unique should be sure to check out the gym filled with crafters and vendors offering their wares for sale.

"There will be a little something there for everyone," Luckie said.

Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center will be on hand once again for a health fair to offer free health screenings and information at the school.

They will give blood pressure, cholesterol and body mass index screenings, a teddy bear clinic, shoe compatibility screenings, offer health care proxy information and offer AED demonstrations.

“This is a great chance for people to get out and hopefully enjoy the weather…see some old faces, have a good time and support something local,” Luckie said.