About 76 vendors, business owners and nonprofit volunteers will fill the Premier Athletic Complex for the first Living Leander Community Expo from 4–8 p.m. Dec. 5.

Greater Leander Chamber of Commerce President Bridget Brandt said organizers of the free event confirmed there will be live animals provided by Austin Aquarium and time to visit with Santa from 6:15–7:15 p.m. Organizers are also collecting donated toys for the local Blue Santa charity drive, Brandt said.

Children are invited to play laser tag. Everyone can enjoy live performances throughout the evening including a fashion show from the Fairy Godmother Foundation, music from the Pleasant Hill Elementary School choir and demonstrations by the TaeKwonDo Training Center, Center Stage, Dance Evolution Dance Center and Hit Maker Music School.

"All of the entertainment is local entertainment," Brandt said.

The event comes after the chamber held a community survey of members in April. Most respondents said they would enjoy having a business expo, she said.

"There is a great need because we are so much a bedroom community," Brandt said.

Traditionally a business expo focuses on business networking, she said, so the event allows participating vendors to network and preview booths from 3–4 p.m. before the expo opens.

"I wanted this event to be businesses connecting to the community," Brandt said.

Those in attendance can also find food from the complex's concession area.

The Premier Athletic Complex is at 8220 Toll 183A in Leander. For more information contact the Greater Leander Chamber of Commerce at 512-259-1907 or visit the Chamber's website.