Almost one year ago, the MJ Small Business Squad hosted its inaugural Mountville Community Event, which provided locally-owned small businesses and nonprofits with the opportunity to meet people in the community and have fun while doing it.

MJ Small Business Squad is a product of the COVID-19 pandemic. Megan Kalbach of Mountville and Jacque Hess of West Hempfield Township were unable to run their own businesses during the pandemic, so they decided to help local business owners who were struggling to get online, offer curbside pickup, and more. They had knowledge and skills in sales and marketing, so they created MJ Small Business Squad, where "MJ" stands for Megan and Jacque.

Last year's Mountville Community Event consisted of kids' activities, games, and live entertainment, and the Easter Bunny and Miss Agriculture USA made appearances. About 100 small businesses, nonprofits, crafters, and food trucks signed up for the inaugural Mountville Community Event, and more than 2,000 people attended. "I think that's a testament of the community here at Mountville and just what comradery we have that people showed up to support the business owners and nonprofits," commented Kalbach.

The second annual Mountville Community Event will return to Froelich Park, 350 W. Main St., Mountville, on Saturday, March 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature bounce houses, a magician, a DJ, face painting, games, more than 10 food trucks, the Easter Bunny, superheroes and princesses from Cosplay Care, and the Mountville Fire Company. Nonprofits can sign up for a space free of charge as long as the organization offers a kids' activity.

"I think, between the nine of us at MJ Small Business Squad, we have 21 children," explained Kalbach. "So, at the event, (our children) can stop at all the different nonprofits and see what that organization does and do a fun little kids' activity. When we thought of the idea, I just wanted it to be by the community, for the community, and about the community."

For more information about the Mountville Community Event or to sign up as a sponsor, nonprofit, or vendor, visit https://mjsquad.com/events.