LIBERTY — Wind storms on Saturday afternoon did not deter large crowds from participating in a real-life Candyland adventure as the MetroPlex Expo Center hosted its second annual MetroPlex Sugar Show: Candyland Adventure.

The classic board game was brought to life as more than 100 attendees had to scavenger around the venue stopping at each vendor to retrieve a word, they would then write it next to the vendor names on their map. Once completed, attendees turned the map in for a chance to complete the game.

The grand prize being sought was an Easter basket filled with candy and baked goods supplied by more than 60 vendors.

A secret adventure also was available for the kids as they were tasked with finding little creatures hidden throughout decorated displays around the event. Those that found them all also had a chance to win a prize.

Some of the vendors came as far as two states away just to offer their sweet treats. Most of those in attendance were familiar faces for those that have ventured to festivals, fairs or events across the Mahoning Valley.

“I’m amazed every year how many different things there are here. There were sweet treats that I had no clue even existed here locally. Many of the vendors are home cooks who started their businesses,” Christina Benton, owner of Just Pizzelles in Cortland, said.

This is her second year participating, but Benton has spent over 15 years creating her pizzelles, which she reworked from a family recipe. Originally, she worked out of a community kitchen at a local church before branching out to owning a physical store.

Now, Benton ships her treats nationwide and worldwide with plans to begin selling her baked goods at Market House, a coffee shop in Howland.

Some vendors were there working for a greater cause.

Kimberly Dixon of Two Rad Chicks Bakery in Youngstown has dedicated both her life and business to helping women, men and children suffering from domestic violence. Dixon herself has a personal stake in the matter, having survived an abusive relationship at age 20.

“I knew that this was what I wanted to do, because there’s a lot of women who just don’t know where to begin,” Dixon said. “I wanted to be somebody who could say, ‘I did survive. I did leave, and things did change for me and you’re capable of doing whatever you’d like to do.'”

Joined by two of her three sons, Remington Norris, 11, and Maverick Dixon, 7, she hopes her work for domestic survivors influences them to be better men when they grow up. All proceeds from her earnings on Saturday and today will go toward two women that Dixon has been helping restart, including a Youngstown mother of two, as they begin transitioning their lives from an abusive situation.

Milena Hardy of Youngstown developed a love for baking at the age of 10 that carried over into a business — Milena’s Sweet and Savory Treats — she started just over a year ago in Youngstown.

“When it comes to making cakes, it just felt like it was my calling. I made them for my kids and family and people kept saying I should open a business,” Hardy said.

Hardy, along with her sister Ariel Magada, were selling chocolate chip cookies, brownies, cheesecake and offering people a chance to contact her for a custom cake.

Two brothers, Michael Freetag and Chris Freetag made an hour trip from Dover to participate in the festivities –selling cinnamon glazed and roasted pecans and cashews, along with almonds that they prepare fresh.

“It’s just a fun show with all the sweets and stuff here and we fit right in. It’s a unique product that you don’t see everywhere,” Freetag said.

The event will continue 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today. Tickets are $5 at the door, with children 12 and under admitted free.