Knightdale— Businesses new and old shared what they had to offer to crowds who attended the Business Expo on Thursday.

Bonnie Tanner with dog Sam worked the booth of Lucky Pawz, her new pet sitting business.

“I love it,” said Tanner, who retired from a career in Human Resources in April. “I’ve always been crazy about animals.”

Businesses like Tanner’s were what Mirella Cologero came to hear about.

“We just came to check out all the things they have here,” she said.

And the Expo did have a variety -- from banks to hospitals to restaurants.

“It’s great to be out in the community,” said Brian Rothert, of State Farm Insurance, a new agency at Widewaters Commons.

There were a lot of new businesses sharing their information and lots of new residents in the crowd.

Angela Cooper and her husband just bought a house in Knightdale and moved from Rocky Mount.

Cooper said she wanted to know the area a little better, and see the variety of businesses here that one doesn’t see passing along Knightdale Boulevard..

While sharing information, the businesses also gave away freebies like candy, drinks, cups and pens.

Avery Carpenter, 11, who performed with his martial arts class at Tiger Martial Arts Academy, picked up a coupon for a free Chik-Fil-A sandwich.

Phyllis Huddleton of Knightdale Seafood and Barbecue has been feeding the Expo Crowd for some time.

She used to serve food to the participants before the Expo every year.

This year she set up a booth.

With the new competition, she said, she wanted everyone to know the 20-year-old business is still here.

When Knightdale Seafood and Barbecue opened, Hardees was the only other business along U.S. 64, she said.