Businesses big and small showcased themselves Thursday afternoon at LaGrange Mall. The mall held its first annual Summer Showcase, and 37 groups from services, clubs, health and fitness groups, restaurants and retailers filled the halls of the building.

“It’s a community-based event where we invited area businesses of all sizes to come out and provide them with tables, chairs and space to set up a display and let the community know about their business,” said Donna Powell, LaGrange Mall Senior Property Manager. “I think businesses, no matter how large or small, a lot of people don’t understand what their business is about and what they do have to offer. This is helping give them exposure to tell the community what they have to offer.”

May Martial Arts performed demonstrations and members of the Active Life of LaGrange performed line dances.

The event also included a Marine Corps recruiter station, and Mama Jama from the Troup County Certified Literacy Program gave free books to children. The Literacy Volunteers of Troup County also recruited volunteers at its table.

“We also need volunteers who if they’re good at teaching computer, that’s a need we have right now,” said Teresa Middleton, board member of the Literacy Volunteers of Troup County.

Hull Property Group, which owns LaGrange Mall, hosted summer showcases in 13 other markets as well Thursday.

“We intend for it to become an annual event because it’s been very successful today,” Powell said.

Part of the showcase included having members of the community vote for their favorites in six different categories. Carol Freeman-Revall Properties won for favorite business and services. LaGrange Memorial Library won for favorite clubs and organizations. Troup County Health Department won for favorite health. The Troup County Parks and Recreation Department won for favorite fitness, sports and recreation. Frios won for favorite food and restaurant and Boardwalk Limited won for favorite for retail.

“We’ve continuously had great traffic flow,” Powell said. “The vendors and businesses are very pleased with their response and exposure they got today.”

Christopher Pittman, owner of Pittman Pressure Washing, said being invited to the event meant a lot to his business. Pittman Pressure Washing opened in 2016.

“We’re very honored and humbled to get to take part in it and if it’s going to be a yearly thing, I plan on being in it every year,” Pittman said.