(3/27) After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic, Thurmont’s annual Business Showcase returns on April 23. The engaging entrepreneur enterprise promises an interactive opportunity for local businesses and nonprofits to highlight their skills, products, and services under one roof.

The first Business Showcase was held back in 2004. Both the Business Showcase and Christmas in Thurmont events were the catalysts for the town of Thurmont to pursue the Main Street Designation, which was awarded in 2005. Over the years the event has grown so much that it is now held at the Thurmont Event Complex.

There are many benefits and opportunities available for those who attend or participate in the Showcase. The Business Showcase allows local businesses in Thurmont to exhibit their products and services to all who attend. Providing an excellent opportunity for businesses to attract and engage potential new customers and ‘advertise’ for potential job openings.

All types of businesses such as brick and mortar, home-based businesses, and nonprofits participate in this event every year. In return, the Showcase offers an opportunity for all those living in Frederick County and Southern Pennsylvania to come out and see the large variety of businesses that are available in Thurmont.

"The objective of the Business Showcase is to provide networking for businesses, building valuable relationships, and of course create lots of smiles," stated Thurmont’s Economic Development Manager Vickie Grinder.

"The Showcase also provides a time for all participating businesses and nonprofits to interact with each other, and sometimes, learn about other businesses and opportunities that are right in their own backyard. An additional benefit to the Business Showcase is meeting some of the non-profit organizations and learning about their cause and how they are impacting not only Thurmont, but society as well," she said.

Before Thurmont’s indoor farmers market kicked off, the Business Showcase used to be Thurmont’s first community social event of the year, according to Grinder. "It’s always well attended and is a fantastic way to not only support your favorite businesses but an opportunity to discover businesses you didn’t even know existed", she said.

Apprehension that this year’s event may get canceled, the event will not feature a trademark theme as done in the past, such as ‘Mardi Gras’ and ‘The1970’s’, on the chance it would have to be cancelled again.

"Hopefully we’ll be able to bring back a theme next year," Grinder said, but until then the economic development team and local businesses are just ecstatic to bring the Showcase back to the community.

With two years off the radar, the Showcase promises an unforgettable return. So far, 25 businesses have signed up and they are accepting participating businesses with 21788 zip codes until April 15.

"As always, the Business Showcase could not be possible without the support of its many sponsors." Said Grinder.

The Business Showcase is a Main Street Thurmont event, and more information on it can be found at www.thurmontmainstreet.com. Interested participants may contact Grinder at vgrinder@thurmontstaff.com.