This Saturday, Oct. 24, local businesses will convene under one roof for the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce Live SMART Expo, where unique activities and attractions will appeal to the entire family.

The theme of the day is “Work smart, Buy smart, Play smart,” and people are welcome to listen to educational seminars dealing with topics from child leadership to coping with stress. Ahwatukee Foothills’ own Max Crumm, who rose to fame after winning the NBC sitcom Grease: You’re the One that I Want! will be at the expo to sign autographs from 1 to 3 p.m.

“He’ll be posing for photos for a $5 fee, which will benefit our YMCA Strong Kids campaign and the chamber,” said Betty Teille, chair of the Live SMART Expo. “He rearranged his schedule so that he could be here, and we’re thrilled to death to have him.”

Entrance to the event is free, but children can buy a $5 all-day pass for children’s activities. Other activities include a children’s costume parade and trick-or-treating at 4 p.m., as well as food, games and seminars from local businesses.

“This has been a rough year for a lot of our local businesses and families, and the chamber wanted to give back to the community,” Teille said. “If people come by they will have a day of fun with their family that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, and they will get to meet face to face with business owners in the community.”

The chamber expects nearly 70 local businesses to be represented at the Live SMART Expo.

“It’s a business and community expo, and the businesses will have a chance to showcase what Ahwatukee is all about,” chamber president Terri Kimble said.

Six seminars will also be offered throughout the expo to aid residents in different aspects of their lives.

Christina Wagner, co-owner of the buyer savvy business Darn Good Deals, will give a seminar at 1 p.m. on how to get the best possible deals locally.

“I don’t think the average consumer is aware of how much of an impact shopping local can make,” Wagner said. “If everyone in Arizona did a 10 percent shift from big-box to locally-owned shopping, that would be a stimulus package for us right now.”

Wagner will also dispel the perception that shopping locally is expensive.

“The big-box stores and national chains have spent big dollars to convince people that the only way to save money is by shopping with them,” Wagner said. “I can get better prices and merchandise at locally-owned businesses right now.”

The Live SMART Expo will be held at St. John Bosco School, 16035 S. 48th St., from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Saturday. Admission is free. For more information about the expo, visit www.ahwatukeechamber.com or call (480) 753-7676.

By Krystin Wiggs Ahwatukee Foothills News 10/23/2009