Midland Mall’s Valentine’s Sweetheart Expo showcases local vendors

While many football enthusiasts spent Sunday tuned in to Super Bowl LIX, a different kind of excitement was unfolding at the Midland Mall. From Saturday through Sunday, the Valentine’s Sweetheart Expo offered an alternative for shoppers seeking unique gifts and local flair.

Misty BarronShoppers seeking out special gifts at the Midland Mall's Valentine's Sweetheart ExpoThe expo showcased a variety of products from Midland-area vendors, including homemade candles, woodworking items, jewelry, crafts, and freeze-dried candies. Although foot traffic was lighter than expected, both shoppers and merchants were pleased with the event.

“We’re not huge football fans, so we decided to come here instead,” says one shopper. “It’s nice to support small businesses and find special gifts for Valentine’s Day.”

Joanne Kelly, a vendor from The Beaver Barn, also shared her enthusiasm while displaying homemade coasters, keychains, and tumblers. “We’ll be back for Comic Con,” she says while pointing out items they’ve made just for the event. 

The Valentine’s Sweetheart Expo was just one part of the mall’s larger plans to celebrate the season of love.

Next on the calendar is the Sweet Spree Shopping Expo, set for Feb. 14 and 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The two-day affair will again highlight local vendors, giving visitors another opportunity to discover unique products and further support the mall’s ongoing resurgence.

The mall is also hosting a Speed Dating Night on Feb.16, offering an antidote to the often time-consuming world of online dating. For a fee of $25 per person, participants can spend five minutes with each prospective match and simply check “yes” or “no.” If two people choose “yes,” organizers will share their contact information.

Over the past few years, the Midland Mall has aimed to revitalize its space and draw shoppers back. Hosting events like the Valentine’s Sweetheart Expo reconnects local artisans with the community and proves that even on football’s biggest day, there are plenty of reasons to head out and show a little local love.