Residents flocked to the Fair Barn in Pinehurst on Thursday for the second Pinehurst Expo, hoping to gather useful information about the community and its various groups and organizations.

Resident Victoria Jacobs and her two young daughters came out to the Expo early and were pleasantly surprised.

“I was able to get a lot of great information,” she said. “There was a lot of stuff for the kids, which was great.”

Early in the day, the event drew a large crowd of individuals who took in information from about 50 exhibitors representing area civic, social and service organizations.

“This is a good crowd,” said Melissa Swarbrick, of the Pinehurst Civic Group. “Last year we started fast too, and then slowed down as the evening wore on. This time around, we think the live music and more booths will keep the crowds up.”

The goal of the event is to provide a public meeting place where residents and newcomers can talk with members of various clubs and nonprofit organizations that serve the area’s needs and ofter activities for all residents.

Several residents said they were grateful for the chance to get out and gather information.

“We came just to look around and check it out,” said resident Ginger Reed, who gathered information on recreation league soccer, yoga classes, pets, and information from the Moore County Chamber of Commerce. “There is really something for everyone,” she said.

Resident Kellee Hakki agreed.

“People can really learn a lot about the area,” Hakki said.

The Expo also helped the clubs and groups represented.

Sharon Hyman and Jeane Kays, who both were working the Neighbors of Pinehurst booth, said their goal was to spread the word about their group and what it does.

“It is important for us, so people understand we are here, and know what we do,” Hyman said.

Neighbors of Pinehurst is an organization formed to foster friendship and community spirit among its members. The groups hosts a variety of social events, like dinners, wine-tastings, game nights and book clubs.

The group was one of 57 that attended this year’s Expo. That is nearly three times the number of booths at last year’s first Expo.

The free event was co-sponsored by the Pinehurst Civic Group and the village of Pinehurst.

Attendees were treated to live music from the Rooster’s Wife and the Golf Capital Chorus. There was an exhibit of classic and vintage cars as well as a display of model railroad layouts.

Hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue, soft drinks and beer were sold, with proceeds benefiting First Tee of the Sandhills and the VFW.

Contact Tom Embrey at (910 693-2484 or tembrey@thepilot. com.