Organizers are calling this year's Capital Expo a smashing success.
The three-day event closed Saturday with a fireworks display and performance by Nashville Star talent show winner and Frankfort native Eddie Barber. Expo board president Stan Salchli believed this year's Expo drew the largest crowd ever.
"We've had some of the biggest crowds we've had in a while," Salchli said. "It's been absolutely great, the weather's held out except for a little storm (Friday)." Saturday's weather was ideal, with sunny skies, low humidity and readings in the low 80s.
In the past, Salchli said the Frankfort/Franklin County Tourist & Convention Commission has estimated between 55,000 and 60,000 individuals attend Expo.
He said because that number includes repeat attendees and there is no single gate for admission it's hard to determine the exact number of individuals at the event.
"There's really no way we can keep track of it," he said.
Salchli said he was pleased with improvements made to the event including the carnival. He said crowds have enjoyed the new carnival, which was contracted for Expo through Jules and Beck Combined Shows.
"They keep this carnival very well maintained," he said.
Another premiere at the Expo was the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) safety course.
"They've had a great opportunity to show us what they do for safety," Salchli said of the course, which featured an ATV riding instructor certified by the ATV Safety Institute of America.
Increased security, provided by the Frankfort Police Department's mobile unit, was successful in keeping the large Expo crowd orderly Salchli said.
"We've actually had less incidents than we've had before," he said. "The presence of that (the mobile unit) has given a feel of greater security."
Billy Noblitt, chairman of the food and non-food booths at the Expo, said this year's event offered 30 food vendors and close to 90 non-food vendors.
"It's probably the biggest year we've had of different vendors," Noblitt said.
He said individuals he talked to were happy with the variety of offerings, from food to arts and crafts.
"There's more to look at," he said. "There's a little bit of everything."
The greatest buzz around Expo Saturday was the night's fireworks display staged by the Zambelli organization.
"People just seem to be excited about the Zambelli international fireworks," Salchli said.
Cleanup begins today, and Salchli said he expects crews to be finished by 6 p.m. He said local Boy Scout troops and the Frankfort Regional Jail are helping clear the grounds.
Salchli said the Expo board would meet in July to review this year's event and beginning planning for Expo 2008 in August.
"There's something at Capital Expo for everyone," Salchli said. "Overall it's been a great Expo, it's been one of the best Expos I've seen."