By Lori Adler, reporter

The annual Hodag Home & Lifestyle show is getting an upgrade for 2020. Beginning this year, the event will feature all types of area businesses and be known as the RACC Business Showcase. Scheduled for Saturday, March 21, at Rhinelander High School, this free event promises to have something for everyone.

“We’re just trying to breathe new life into it, expand it and include more different types of businesses,” said Rachel Boehlen, Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce (RACC) event and program coordinator.

The decades-old show will still include all the favorite booths of the past, but now it will also include many other Northwoods businesses. While the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce is the show organizer, it is open to all businesses as well as non-profit organizations and vendors selling crafts and food.

Show attendees can expect a large variety of vendors as well as family-friendly activities, product demonstrations and door prizes. In addition, those who may be looking for a job can check out employment opportunities through the “Now Hiring” feature on the exhibitor map.

In addition to showcasing products and services, exhibitors will also be able to network with other area business owners during an exhibitor social event scheduled for after set-up on Friday evening. There will also be vendor contests for booth design, including best theme, best attention strategy and best of show.

Lauren Sackett, chamber director, is excited about the new expanded concept for the show, noting, “It’s just kind of broadening the horizons of what is at the event to both attendees as well as business participants.”

In the coming weeks, the chamber website (www.rhinelanderchamber.com) will have more information on the event, including a list of exhibitors. To register as a vendor or to learn more about exhibiting at the RACC Business Showcase, contact Rachel Boehlen at 715-365-7464. The registration deadline for vendors is Friday, March 13.