POCATELLO — The Idaho State Journal’s inaugural Wonder Women’s Expo, scheduled for 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday at the Stephens Performing Arts Center, will offer women the chance to hear a speaker, learn new recipes and check out merchandise from several local vendors.

The expo, which is planned to become an annual event, also supports a good local cause, with some of the proceeds benefiting Zonta Club of Pocatello. Zonta is a leading global organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy.

“It’s a fun afternoon for women,” said Traci Lund, the Journal’s marketing and event coordinator. “It’s a chance for them to get away and maybe spend a few hours with their girlfriends.”

Lund said the event will include about 30 local vendors, such as Bed, Bath & Beyond, offering products ranging from jewelry to honey.

“We’ve got it all,” Lund said.

The first 50 women who attend will receive a free swag bag, Lund said. At 6:15 p.m. local Realtor Tracy Bixby with Idaho HomeLand Real Estate will deliver a speech titled “The Power of One.” The speech describes how a single individual can make a profound difference in a community. Tickets to Bixby’s talk will be $10, and light refreshments will be served.

From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., University of Idaho Extension will facilitate a lesson in cooking with an instant pot. UI Extension staff will demonstrate eight recipes, which will be auctioned afterward. VIP Tickets, offering each person preferred seating and an additional goodie bag, will be sold for $25. General admission to the cooking demonstration will be $15.

Tickets for both events will be sold via myidahotix.com.