On Friday, 50 vendors packed inside the Visalia Convention Center hoping to encourage locals to enjoy the fun that's right here in the South Valley.
Visalia Convention and Visitors Bureau workers put up a sign they hope South Valley drivers can't miss. It reads: "Sequoia Adventures Expo! Stay and play in our backyard!"
Glenn Morris form the Visalia Convention and Visitors Bureau says, "$4 a gallon makes you think twice about how far you're willing to go. Whether you want to spend the money on the gas to get there or you want to spend the money doing something."
Exhibitors from area farm touring companies, the Sequoia National Park and other local attractions spent the day setting up booths for the big event. They hope South Valley families will check out the expo and realize you don't have to leave the area to have fun.
Exhibitor Lavone Sawatzky from Weibe Farms says, "There's a lot of people around that don't know what's in our backyard, what's down the road."
Many people say record high gas prices are forcing them to stay in the Valley on the weekends, instead of skipping town. Some drivers at a Chevron in Visalia paid $4.09 for a gallon of regular gasoline.
Visalia resident Sharon Best, Visalia resident, says, "It's just expensive to go now. What used to take $40 is taking $60 or 80 now."
Tom Knapp, Visalia resident, says, "I don't think it's going to be an option for most people, to tell you the truth."
