POTSDAM -- “The Really Big Show,” the annual spring home, garden and business expo, with food, wine, vendors and a “slap shot challenge,” opens on Friday, April 25, at noon at Cheel Arena.

The event, in its sixth year and hosted by the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, takes place until 8 p.m. on Friday and continues from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 26. Admission is $3.

Nearly 80 area businesses and vendors are set to participate this year. Live entertainment and special activities are also expected at the show, which drew several thousand people last year.

Highlights this year include a “Slap Shot Challenge” for kids age 14 and under, sponsored by Slic Network Solutions, that will use street hockey equipment to let boys and girls “compare” their best slap shot speeds. Prizes will be awarded in various age divisions.

One new exhibitor will be the New York State Office of the Comptroller, who will be providing information on unclaimed funds.

Demonstrations include a paddler’s workshop with canoe/kayak builder Bill Sommerfield, and a chair-caning demonstration by local artisan Renee Baxter.

Musical performances Friday afternoon will include Michael Welch and Christian Parker, from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. and father and son act King Kong, Andy and Geoff Van Duyne, from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. On Saturday, Andy Van Duyne and Mary Ann Casale will perform from 10:30 a.m. to noon, followed by David Wells from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Entertainment on the main stage is sponsored by Northern Music & Video.

Exhibitors include: Keeps U In Stitches, custom boutique embroidered items; the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency; Tug Hill Vineyards, Tucker Spring Organics soap and skin care products; NY State Senior Action Council, North Country Chapter; Paddler’s Workshop; Sommerfield Wildlife Control; NYS Office of the Comptroller; Artworks Creperie; SeaComm Federal Credit Union; Valley Greenery Florist & Landscaping; Thousand Islands Winery; Lowe’s Home Improvement; Uncle Jim’s Backwoods Goods, all natural seasonings, rubs and mixes; Wireless Zone; Phil & Jackie’s, fudge; Willow Tree Florist & Landscaping; International Student Exchange, seeking host families; Dell’s Sports & Novelties, memorabilia and collectibles; Cruise Planners; River Myst Winery; and CJ’s Vintage Collectibles.

Other booths expected to be on-hand include Empty Nest Birdhouses; DMT Foam, insulation; Down by the River Crafts; Adirondack Fragrance & Flavor Farm; The Pampered Chef; Harvest Herb Company; 2 Mama Birds, handmade jewelry; The Nut Shop International; Handmade Purses & Key Chains; The Silver Studio; 2nd Time Around, recycled fabric; Unique Creations by Sharon; Alltech Integrations, Inc., alarm and security systems; St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES; Kim’s Cheesecake on a Stick; Willow Creek Chairs; Jumpin’ Fun Inflatables, bounce houses and water slide inflatables; Avon Walk for Breast Cancer; Isaac Jude Pottery; Main Street Chocolates; High Peaks Winery; NYSARC, gallery of homemade products; Origami Owl, lockets; Red Button Bakery; Commercial Press, print, design and graphics production; It Works! body wraps and supplements; Whites Lumber; SummerHaven Pool, Hearth & Spa; Smith Farm Raquette River Poultry; Custom Stone Jewelry; Akwesasne Puppy Style Dog Biscuits, grain-free and organic pet treats; Cedar Design furniture; Bee Art Shop, painted tiles and ornaments; Country Cookin’ baked goods; Leather Designs by Kukniwah, leather cases for iPads; Get Personal gold and silver personalized jewelry; and Robert St. Denis, movie posters and sports memorabilia.

Corporate sponsors and exhibitors for “The Really Big Show” include Slic Network Solutions, Nicholville; Cornerstone Services, Norwood; B99.3 80’s hit music, Potsdam; Bronson’s One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning and Bronson’s Roto Rooter, Potsdam; Kinetico Water Conditioning, Potsdam; Community Broadcasters (95.3 The Wolf, 92.7 WQTK, ESPN 1400) Ogdensburg; Stephens Media Group (1340 WMSA, Mix 96.1, 101.5 The Fox, Q-Country 102.9, 96.7 YES-FM, Super Hits PAC 98.7), Ogdensburg and Massena; Aeon Heating & Air Conditioning, Potsdam; North Country Savings Bank; First Class Services, Potsdam; and FISHCAP.

For more information, visit www.northcountryguide.com.