Learn what the East Bay business community has to offer "right in our own backyard" this weekend at the inaugural East Bay Chamber of Commerce Merchant Fair.

About 40 businesses and organizations from Bristol, Warren and Barrington are scheduled to display their wares at the fair scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Kickemuit Middle School, 525 Child St., Warren. There is a also a host of family-friendly activities planned, including face painting, food trucks, the Gloria Gemma Hope Bus, the RI Blood Center's Bloodmobile, a fire truck and an ambulance.

Perhaps the highlight of the event is the hot air balloon scheduled to be outside the school that will be offering rides to visitors for a $5 donation. Rides are available only until noon.

“This is going to be bigger and better than ever,” Cidalia Rodrigues, president of the East Bay Chamber Board of Directors said in a release. “This event is meant to showcase all the wonderful goods and services that can be found right here in the East Bay; right in our own backyard.”

Sponsored by BankFive, the merchant fair also includes a series of raffles and contests, including the chance to win $250 in cash by completing a BINGO card of all 40 vendors. There are also a series of raffles and giveaways at individual booths featuring vendors from all three towns.

Some of the featured vendors include Bayside YMCA, Navigant Credit Union, East Bay Chiropractic, East Bay Bikram Yoga, FurrFighers, Faithful Friends Pet Crematory and The Children’s Workshop, among several others

"We're focused on what's available right here that sometimes people don't know about," said Christine O'Connor, Chamber spokesperson. "This gives people from all three communities the chance to get together, promote what's available here, and get more exposure for our area."

The merchant fair is free and open to the public. For more information, visit eastbaychamberri.org.