The approximately 75 businesses and entities at the showcase will include banks, real estate agencies, massage therapists, hair salons and automotive businesses, Whitney said.  Also present will be social service and government agencies, including the town Department of Human Services and the police department, she said. 

One booth will provide information on CTfasktrak, the dedicated busway between New Britain and Hartford now under construction, Whitney said. 

"I think people have a lot of questions," said Whitney of the busway, which will have two stops in Newington. 

The event will also include the Taste of Newington, running from noon to 2:30 p.m. Attendees will get a food ticket with their $3 admission and can buy additional food tickets once inside. 

About 10 restaurants will offer fare, including Vito's, Puerto Vallarta, Cavos and the Cakery, Whitney said. 

Part of the event's proceeds will support the Newington food bank and the junior and senior internship program at the high school, Whitney said.  She estimated that about $5,000 would go toward the internship program. 

Career coordinator Julie Karas, who runs the internship program, said it gives about 80 kids a year a chance to get a close up taste of possible professions ranging from lawyer to physicians assistant to physical therapist. 

"They're learning a lot," she said. " They write me a paper about what they're doing there." 

The chamber uses the remaining proceeds for various programs, Whitney said.  The event, which typically draws several thousand people, is one of the chamber's two biggest fundraisers of the year, she said. 

The showcase will also feature CPR and martial arts demonstrations.  Home Depot will run program showing kids basic carpentry skills, Whitney said.  Also attending will be Rocky the Rock Cat, the New Britain Rock Cats' mascot, she said.